SABBATH
SCHOOL
LESSON
Senior Division, No. 292, Second Quarter, 1968
FAITH AND THE PROMISES OF GOD
D
TANK
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on
mind and character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the
study of the Scriptures. . . . If God's Word were studied as it should be,
men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability
of purpose rarely seen in these
times."—Steps to Christ,
page 90.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I
pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath
School lesson each day of the week.
Nate
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
Faith Is Indispensable
2.
Faith and a Knowledge of God
3.
Faith and God's Promises
4.
Faith and the Promise of Reconciliation
5.
Faith and the Promise of Pardon
6.
Faith and the Promise of .God's Presence
7.
Faith and the Promise of God's Love
8.
Faith and the Promise of Answered Prayer
9.
Faith and God's Promises of Care and Guidance
10.
Faith and the Promise of the Holy Spirit
11.
Faith and Assurance
12.
Faith and the Promise of Victory
13.
Faith and the Promise of Christ's Return
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Copyright, 1968, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
FAITH AND THE PROMISES OF GOD
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The Bible records the unique experiences
of men and women of faith who demon-
strated the dependability of the promises
made by the infinite God. To test the
reality of these promises, as these Bible
characters tested them, we are enjoined to
exercise faith. "0 taste and see that the
Lord is good," is the Biblical invitation.
But how to exercise faith? This is the
urgent consideration, and this should be
made very plain. To every promise of God
there are conditions. If we are willing to
do His will, all His strength is ours. What-
ever gift He promises is in the promise
itself. "The seed is the Word of God." As
surely as the oak is in the acorn, so surely
is the gift of God in the promise. If we re-
ceive the promise, we have the gift. Wori-
derful thought!
"Faith that enables us to receive God's
gifts is itself a gift, of which some measure
is imparted to every human being. It grows
as exercised in appropriating the Word of
God. In order to strengthen faith, we must
often bring it in contact with the Word."
—Education,
pages 253, 254.
This series of lessons endeavors to make
some essential features of Christianity very
simple and practical. The promises and
gifts of God are ours to accept and experi-
ence, not merely to admire. Only as God's
children appropriate His promises by faith
does the gospel become "the power of God
unto salvation."
Lesson 1, for April 6, 1968
Faith Is Indispensable
MEMORY VERSE:
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that
cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them
that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6.
STUDY HELPS:
"Education," pages 253-261; "Gospel Workers," pages 259-263;
"Steps to Christ," chapter, "Faith and Acceptance"; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary."
STUDY AIM:
To gain a greater appreciation and understanding of faith as one
of life's imperatives.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Role of Faith in Christian
Experience
1.
What faith is. Heb. 11:1.
2.
The object of faith. Mark 11:22;
John 3:16.
3.
Faith a way of life. 2 Cor. 5:7.
4.
How faith is cultivated. Rom.
10:17.
' 5. The response of faith. Gal. 5:6.
II.
Faith, the Imperative Factor
6.
Faith and fellowship with God.
Heb. 11:6.
7.
Faith and the origin and destiny
of life. Heb. 11:3 ; 2 Peter 3:13.
8.
Faith and salvation. Eph. 2:8; 3:17.
9.
Faith brings joy, peace, hope.
Rom. 15:13.
10.
Possibilities of faith. Mark 9:23.
C 3 ]
11.
Faith and spiritual prosperity.
Luke 18:8; 2 Peter 3:3, 4.
2 Chron. 20:20.
13. Hold fast to faith. Heb. 10:35-37.
III. Warnings and Counsels
14. Faith a shield against temptation.
12.
Last days marked by faithlessness.
Eph. 6:16.
Introduction
THE LESSON
Nom.—"Faith is not the ground of our
salvation, but it is the great blessing—the
eye that sees, the ear that hears, the feet
that run, the hand that grasps. It is the
means, not the end. If Christ gave His life
to save sinners, why shall I not take that
blessing? My faith grasps it, and thus
my faith is the substance of things hoped
for, the •evidence of things unseen. Thus
resting and believing, I have peace with
God through the Lord Jesus Christ"—
Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1073.
"Faith is the condition upon which God
has seen fit to promise pardon to sinners;
not that there is any virtue in faith
whereby salvation is merited, but because
faith can lay hold of the merits of Christ,
the remedy provided for
sin."—Ibid.
"God never asks us to believe, without
giving sufficient evidence on which to base
our faith. His existence, His character, the
truthfulness of His Word, are all estab-
lished by testimony that appeals to our
reason; and this testimony is abundant.
Yet God has never removed the possi-
bility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon
evidence, not demonstration."—Steps
to
Christ,
page 105.
"There is an evidence that is open to all,
the most highly educated, and the most
illiterate,—the evidence of experience. God
invites us to prove for ourselves the reality
of His Word, the truth of His promises."
Ibid.,
p. 111.
The Role of Faith in Christian
Experience
1.
How does the Bible define faith?
Heb. 11:1.
NOTE.—"When we speak of faith, there
is a distinction that should be borne in
mind. There is a kind of belief that is
wholly distinct from faith. The existence
and power of God, the truth of His Word,
are facts that even Satan and his . hosts
cannot at heart deny. . . . But this is not
faith. . . . Where there is not only a belief
in God's Word, but a submission of the will
to Him ; where the heart is yielded to Him,
the affections fixed upon Him, there is
faith—faith that works by love and puri-
fies the soul. Through this faith the heart
is renewed in the image of
God."—Steps
to Christ,
page 63.
2.
What is the basis of our relation-
ship to God and to Christ? Mark
11:22; John 3:16.
3.
How is faith related to Christian
living? 2 Cor. 5:7.
Nora.—Faith results in a distinct way of
life. The Christian plans and lives his life
with reference to the God "whom having
not seen, ye love." Faith makes God a
reality, an ever-present Companion; and
thus we "walk by faith, not by sight."
"It is not a conclusive evidence that a
man is a Christian because he manifests
spiritual ecstasy under extraordinary cir-
cumstances. Holiness is not rapture: it is
an entire surrender of the will to God;, it
is living by every word that proceeds from
the mouth of God; it is doing the will of
our heavenly Father; it is trusting God in
trial, in darkness as well as in the light; it
is walking by faith and not by sight; it is
relying on God with unquestioning con-
fidence, and resting in His love."—The
Acts
of the Apostles,
page 51.
4.
How is faith cultivated? Rom.
10:17.
[4]
NoTE.—In order to grow and to be-
come strong and invincible, faith must
constantly be nourished on its native
food—the Word of God. To neglect the
study of God's Holy Word is to starve
faith. It is by faith that the miracle of a
transformed life is wrought; it is by faith
that our prayers are answered. It is by
faith that we are to overcome the wicked
one; it is by faith that the Holy Spirit is
to dwell in our hearts. If faith is anemic
for want of feeding on the Word of God,
every other aspect of the Christian life
will be correspondingly weak.
"The truth is to be planted in the heart.
It is to control the mind and regulate the
affections. The whole character must be
stamped with the divine utterances. Every
jot and tittle of the Word of God is to
be brought into the daily practice."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 314. See also
The Desire of Ages,
page 126.
5.
How will genuine faith mani-
fest itself? Gal. 5:6. Compare James
2:17; Heb. 11:8.
Faith, the Imperative Factor
6.
How vital is faith to fellowship
with God? Heb. 11:6.
NOTE.—"Jesus says, 'I
am the
vine, ye
are the branches' (John 15:5). Can we
conceive of a more intimate relation than
this implies? . .. This spiritual relation be-
tween Christ and the soul can be estab-
lished only through the exercise of personal
faith. 'Without faith it is impossible to
please Him' (Heb. 11:6) ; for it is faith
that connects us with the power of heaven,
and brings us strength for coping with
the powers of darkness. . . . Faith familiar-
izes the soul with the existence and pres-
ence of God, and, living with an eye single
to the glory of God, more and more we
discern the beauty of His character, the
excellence of His grace. Our souls become
strong in spiritual power; for we are
breathing the atmosphere of heaven, and
realizing that God is at our right hand,
that we shall not be
moved."—Selected
Messages,
Bk. 1, pp. 334, 335.
7.
To what two perplexing ques-
tions does faith provide the answers?
Heb. 11:3; 2 Peter 3:13.
8.
How only is the grace of God
accessible to the repentant sinner?
Eph. 2:8; 3:17.
NOTE.—"The law demands righteousness,
and this the sinner owes to the law; but he
is incapable of rendering it. The only way
in which he can attain to righteousness is
through faith. By faith he can bring to
God the merits of Christ, and the Lord
places the obedience of His Son to the
sinner's account. Christ's righteousness is
accepted in place of man's failure, and God
receives, pardons, justifies, the repentant,
believing soul, treats him as though he
were righteous, and loves him as He loves
His Son. This is how faith is accounted
righteousness."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1073.
9.
What comes to us as a result of
exercising genuine faith? Rom. 15:13.
NOTE.—Faith must never be based on
one's feelings, but on the promises of God;
joy and peace come as a result of believing.
In other words, faith precedes feeling.
"There is peace in believing, and joy in
the Holy Ghost. Believing brings peace, and
trusting in God brings joy. Believe, be-
lieve! my soul says, believe. Rest in God."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 2, pp. 319, 320.
10.
What is possible for one who
exercises faith? Mark 9:23.
11.
How is spiritual prosperity re-
lated to faith? 2 Chron. 20:20.
Warnings and Counsels
12.
What will characterize the days
preceding Christ's return? Luke 18:8;
2 Peter 3:3, 4.
[6
]
Norr•..—"This is a time when the ques-
tion with all propriety may be asked,
`When the Son of man cometh, shall He
find faith on the earth ?' (Luke 18:8).
"Spiritual darkness has covered the earth
and gross darkness the people. There are
in many churches skepticism and infidelity
in the interpretation of the Scriptures.
Many, very many, are questioning the
verity and truth of the Scriptures. Human
reasoning and the imaginings of the human
heart are undermining the inspiration of
the Word of God, and that which should
be received as granted, is surrounded with
a cloud of mysticism. Nothing stands out
in clear and distinct lines, upon rock bot-
tom. This is one of the marked signs of
the last
days."—Selected Messages,
Bk. 1,
p. 15.
13. What counsel is given those
who await the return of the Lord?
Heb. 10:35-37.
NOTE.
-"It
will not be long till we shall
see Him in whom our hopes of eternal
life are centered. And in His presence, all
the trials and sufferings of this life will be
as nothingness. 'Cast not away therefore
your confidence, which bath great recom-
pense of reward. For ye have need of
patience, that, after ye have done the will
of God, ye might receive the promise. . .
Look up, look up, and let your faith con-
tinually increase. Let this faith guide you
along the narrow path that leads through
the gates of the City of God into the great
beyond, the wide, unbounded future of
glory that is for the redeemed."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 9, pp. 287, 288.
14. What will the shield of faith
enable us to do? Eph. 6:16.
Lesson 2, for April 13, 1968
Faith and a Knowledge of God
MEMORY VERSE:
"And this
is life
eternal, that they might know Thee the only
true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou host sent." John 17:3.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies," Vol. 8, pp. 263-278; "Steps to Christ," chapter,
"A
Knowledge of God"; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
A realization that the revelation God has given of Himself is
sufficient to inspire faith and confidence in the hearts of all who sincerely
seek Him.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. A Knowledge of God Is Vital
1.
Salvation is to know God.
John 17:3.
2.
The essential knowledge. Jer.
9:23, 24.
3.
God has no rivals. Isa. 43:10;
44:6.
4.
We believe that God is. Heb. 11:6.
II. God Has Revealed Himself
5.
In nature. Rom. 1:19, 20;
Ps. 19:1;
Isa. 40:25, 26.
6.
Through revelation. Heb. 1:1;
2 Tim. 3:16.
7.
In and through Jesus Christ.
Heb. 1:2 ; 2 Cor. 4:6.
8.
Through His providences. Ps. 34:
6-8; 107:43.
III. We Can Approach God
9. Seeking and finding God.
Jer. 29:13, 14.
[6]
10.
We have a Mediator. 1 Tim. 2:5;
1 John 2:1.
11.
God Himself loves us. John 16:27;
3:16.
12.
Access through the Son.
Matt. 11:27; John 14:6.
13.
Father and Son will abide with us.
John 14:23 ; Isa. 57:15.
14.
Fellowship the ultimate goal.
1 John 1:3.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"We are too faithless. Oh, how I wish
that I could lead our people to have faith
in God! They need not feel that in order
to exercise faith they must be wrought up
into a high state of excitement. All they
have to do is to believe God's Word, just as
they believe one another's word. He hath
said it, and He will perform His Word.
Calmly rely on His promise, because He
means all that He says. Say, He has spoken
to me in His Word, and He will fulfill every
promise that He has made. Do not become
restless. Be trustful. God's Word is true."
—Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, pp. 83, 84.
A Knowledge of God Is Vital
1.
What is a knowledge of God
declared to be? John 17:3.
NOTE.—"In His prayer to the Father,
Christ gave to the world a lesson which
should be graven on mind and soul. 'This
is life eternal,' He said, 'that they might
know Thee the only true God, and Jesus
Christ, whom Thou hast sent.' John 17:3.
This is true education. It imparts power.
The experimental knowledge of God and
of Jesus Christ whom He has sent, trans-
forms man into the image of God. It gives
to man the mastery of himself, bringing
every impulse and passion of the lower
nature under the control of the higher
powers of the mind. It makes its possessor
a son of God and an heir of heaven. It
brings him into communion with the mind
of the Infinite, and opens to him the rich
treasures of the
universe."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
page 114.
2.
In what only should man take
pride? Jer. 9:23, 24.
NOTE.—"If men could see for a moment
beyond the range of finite vision, if they
could catch a glimpse of the Eternal, every
mouth would be stopped in its boasting.
Men living in this little atom of a world
are finite; God has unnumbered worlds
that are obedient to His laws and are con-
ducted with reference to His glory. When
men have gone as far in scientific research
as their limited powers will permit, there
is still an infinity beyond what they can
apprehend."—Counsels
to Parents, Teach-
ers, and Students,
page 66.
3.
What is said of the true God as
compared with all false gods? Isa.
43:10; 44:6.
4.
What is it essential to believe
concerning God? Heb. 11:6.
NOTE.—"There is no encouragement
given for unbelief. The Lord manifests His
grace and His power over and over again,
and this should teach us that it is always
profitable under all circumstances to cher-
ish faith, to talk faith, to act faith. We
are not to have our hearts and hands
weakened by allowing the suggestions of
suspicious minds to plant in our hearts the
seeds of doubt and distrust."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary,
Vol. 7, p. 928.
God Has Revealed Himself
5.
Of what does nature testify?
Rom. 1:19, 20; Ps. 19:1; Isa. 40:25, 26.
NoTE.—"It is not
that they do not
know the truth about God: indeed He has
made it quite plain to them. For since the
beginning of the world the invisible attri-
7
butes of God, for example, His eternal
power and divinity, have been plainly dis-
cernible through things which He has made
and which are commonly seen and known,
thus leaving these men without a rag of
excuse. They knew all the time that there
is a God, yet they refused to acknowledge
Him as such." Rom. 1:19-21. (From
The
New Testament in Modern English,
copy-
right J. B. Phillips, 1958. Used by permis-
sion of The Macmillan Company.)
6.
Through what means other than
nature has God revealed Himself to
humanity? Heb. 1:1; 2 Tim. 3:16.
NOTE.—"God speaks to us in His Word.
Here we have in clearer lines the revelation
of His character, of His dealings with men,
and the great work of redemption. Here
is open before us the history of patriarchs
and prophets and other holy men of old.
They were men 'subject to like passions
as we are.' James 5:17. We see how they
struggled through discouragements like our
own, how they fell under temptation as
we have done, and yet took heart again
and conquered through the grace of God;
and, beholding, we are encouraged in our
striving after righteousness."—Steps
to
Christ,
pages 87, 88.
7.
Through whom did God make
the most complete revelation of Him-
self? Heb. 1:2; 2 Cor. 4:6. Compare
John 14:9.
NOTE.—"Who is Christ?—He is the only-
begotten Son of the living God. He is to
the Father as a word that expresses the
thought,—as a thought made audible.
Christ is the Word of God. Christ said to
Philip, 'He that bath seen Me, hath seen
the Father.' His words were the echo of
God's words. Christ was the likeness of
God, the brightness of His glory, the ex-
press image of His person.. . .
"Christ came to teach human beings
what God desires them to know. In the
heavens above, in the earth, in the broad
waters of the ocean, we see the handiwork
of God. All created things testify to His
power, His wisdom, His love. But not from
the stars or the ocean or the cataract •can
we learn of the personality of God as it is
revealed in Christ."—Sons
and Daughters
of God,
page 21.
8.
In what other manner does God
reveal Himself? Ps. 34:6-8; 107:43.
NOTE.—"God speaks to us through His
providential workings, and through the in-
fluence of His Spirit upon the heart."—
Steps to Christ,
page 87.
We Can Approach God
9.
What remarkable assurance has
God given? Jer. 29:13, 14.
NOTE.—"The whole heart must be yielded
to God, or the change can never be wrought
in us by which we are to be restored to
His likeness. By nature we are alienated
from God. . . . God desires to heal us, to
set us free. But since this requires an en-
tire• transformation, a renewing of our
whole nature, we must yield ourselves
wholly to
Him."—Steps to Christ,
page 43.
10.
In what capacity does Jesus now
serve His believing children? 1 Tim.
2:5; 1 John 2:1.
11.
What did Jesus say of God's
attitude toward us? John 16:27; 3:16.
NOTE.—"Said Jesus: 'The Father Him-
self loveth you.' If our faith is fixed upon
God, through Christ, it will prove 'as an
anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast,
and which entereth into that within the
vail; whither the Forerunner is for us
entered.' It is true that disappointments
will come; tribulation we must expect; but
we are to commit everything, great and
small, to God. He does not become per-
plexed by the multiplicity of our griev-
ances nor overpowered by the weight of
our burdens. His watchcare extends to
every household and encircles every in-
dividual; He is concerned in all our busi-
ness and our sorrows. He marks every
18
tear; He is touched with the feeling of our
infirmities. All the afflictions and trials that
befall us here are permitted, to work out
His purposes of love toward us, 'that we
might be partakers of His holiness' and
thus become participants in that fullness
of joy which is found in His presence."—
Testimonies,
Vol.
5,
p. 742.
12. How only can we approach God
the Father? Matt. 11:27; John 14:6.
NOTE.—"Jehovah did not deem the plan
of salvation complete while invested only
with His love. He has placed at His altar
an Advocate clothed in our nature. As our
Intercessor, Christ's office work is to in-
troduce us to God as His sons and daugh-
ters. He intercedes in behalf of those who
receive Him. With His own blood He has
paid their ransom. By virtue of His merits
He gives them power to become members
of the royal family, children of the heav-
enly King. And the Father demonstrates
His infinite love for Christ by receiving
and welcoming Christ's friends as His
friends."—Testimonies,
Vol. 8, p. 177.
13.
With whom will the Father and
the Son make their abode? John 14:
23; Isa. 57:15.
14.
What is the final goal of all our
spiritual endeavors? 1 John 1:3. Com-
pare John 10:28, 29.
NorE.—The Infinite God has provided
evidence of His existence, His love, and His
concern for us sufficient to lead everyone
who is honest in heart into a satisfying and
and unbroken fellowship with Him. No
one need miss the way. God can re-create
the human heart with a capacity for fel-
lowship with the divine. All of God's deal-
ings with human beings are with the in-
tent that "they should seek the Lord, if
haply they might feel after Him, and find
Him, though He be not far from every
one of us: for in Him we live, and move,
and have our being." Acts 17:27, 28.
Lesson 3, for April 20, 1968
Faith and God's Promises
MEMORY VERSE:
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious
promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 621, 622; "Education," pages
253-255; "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 83-85; Bk. 2, pp. 242-245; "S.D.A.
Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To appreciate the greatness of God's promises, and to learn how
to
appropriate them by faith.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Vastness of God's Promises
1.
Exceeding great and precious.
2 Peter 1:4.
2.
All our needs covered. Phil.
4:19; Ps. 84:11.
3.
Spiritual blessings supplied.
Eph. 1:3 ; 2 Peter 1:3, 4.
4.
Temporal necessities provided.
Matt. 6:30-34 ; Acts 14:17.
II. The Nature of God's Promises
5.
They are trustworthy. James
1:17;
Num. 23:19.
6.
They are unfailing. 2 Cor. 1:20.
SABBATH (§8HOOL DEPARTMENT
GENERAL
CONFERENVR
n
7.
They require man's cooperation.
Isa. 1:19, 20.
8.
They are conditional. Deut. 11:
26-28; 1 John 1:9; Rev. 3:20.
Conditions for Fulfillment of
God's Promises
9.
Firmly believe the promises. Luke
24:25; 1 'Mess. 2:13.
10.
Be fully persuaded God will per-
form His word. Rom. 4:20, 21.
11.
Meet conditions of the promises.
Deut. 28:1, 2, 13, 14; Jer. 18:9, 10.
12.
Accept the promises by faith as
though fulfilled. 1 John 5:14, 15;
Mark 11:24.
13.
Express gratitude for the promises.
Phil. 4:6; Eph. 5:20.
'THE LESSON
Introduction
In His plan for the redemption of man,
our heavenly Father has provided for all
our needs with specific promises. Recorded
in His Holy Word, these promises are "ex-
ceeding great and precious." "In them He
is speaking to us individually, speaking
as directly as if we could listen to His
voice. It is in these promises that Christ
communicates to us His grace and power.
They are leaves from that tree which is
`for the healing of the nations.' . . . Re-
ceived, assimilated, they are to be the
strength of the character, the inspiration
and sustenance of the life. Nothing else can
have such healing power. Nothing besides
can impart the courage and faith which
give vital energy to the whole being."—
Tke
Ministry of Healing,
page 122.
In this lesson we shall see how vast are
God's provisions, and how, by faith and
obedience, we can appropriate these prom-
ises in our daily lives. God's promises were
not meant merely to arouse our interest
and admiration; they were intended for
our appropriation. God's gifts are in His
promises—when we accept the promises by
faith, the gifts are ours also.
The Vastness of God's Promises
1. With what words does the apos-
tle Peter describe God's promises?
What are these promises designed to
do for us? 2 Peter 1:4.
NOTE.—An amazing transformation is as-
sured in the lives of those who appropri-
ate the promises of God by faith. They
may become "partakers of the divine na-
ture"!
"There are many who,- though striving
to obey God's commandments, have little
peace or joy. This lack in their experience
is the result of a failure to exercise faith.
They walk as it were in a salt land, a
parched wilderness. They claim little, when
they might claim much; for there is no
limit to the promises of God. Such ones do
not correctly represent the sanctification
that comes through obedience to the truth.
The Lord would have all His sons and
daughters happy, peaceful, and obedient.
Through the exercise of faith the believer
comes into possession of these blessings.
Through faith, every deficiency of char-
acter may be supplied."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
pages 563, 564.
2.
How comprehensive is God's
care and provision for His children?
Phil. 4:19; Ps. 84:11.
NoTa.—"Worry is blind and cannot dis-
cern the future; but Jesus sees the end
from the beginning. In every difficulty He
has His way prepared to bring relief. 'No
good thing will He withhold from them
that walk uprightly.' Matt. 11:30; Ps. 84:
11.
"Our heavenly Father has a thousand
ways to provide for us of which we know
nothing. Those who accept the one prin-
ciple of making the service of God supreme,
will find perplexities vanish and a plain
path before their feet."—The
Ministry of
Healing,
page 481.
3.
What provision has God made
for our spiritual growth? Eph. 1:3;
2 Peter 1:3, 4.
C19]
4.
What promise is given concern-
ing man's temporal needs? Matt. 6:
30-34; Acts 14:17.
NorE.—"Christ is the source of all tem-
poral, as well as all spiritual blessings.. .
"How can those who expect to stand
around Christ's throne, and to be clothed
with His righteousness, distrust God, and
fear that He will leave them to come to
want? Where is their faith? Our heavenly
Father feeds the ravens, and will He not
much more feed us? . . . If we had a right
view of Christ, we would permit nothing
to interpose between ourselves and Him."
—Sons and Daughters of God,
page 234.
The Nature of God's Promises
5.
What characteristic of God
makes His promises trustworthy?
James 1:17; Num. 23:19. Compare
Joshua 21:45.
6.
What is said of the reliability of
all God's promises made through Je-
sus Christ? 2 Cor. 1:20. Compare Ps.
37:25.
NOTE.—" 'Wherefore, if God so clothe
the grass of the field, which today is, and
tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He
not much more clothe you, 0 ye of little
faith?' Can you not
trust
in your heavenly
Father? Can you not
rest
upon His gra-
cious promise? 'Seek ye first the kingdom of
God, and His righteousness; and all these
things shall be added unto you.' Precious
promise! Can you not
rely
upon it? Can
we not have
implicit trust,
knowing that
He is faithful who hath promised? I en-
treat you to let your trembling faith again
grasp
the promises of God.
Bear your
whole weight upon them
with unwavering
faith; for they will not, they cannot, fail."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 2, p. 497. (Emphasis
supplied.)
7.
To experience the fulfillment of
God's promises, what must be our at-
titude? Isa. 1:19, 20-.
NoTE.—"In the work of salvation there
is a cooperation of human and divine agen-
cies. There is much said concerning the
inefficiency of human effort, and yet the
Lord does nothing for the salvation of the
soul without the cooperation of man. The
Word of God is clear and distinct on this
point, and yet when so much depends upon
our cooperation with the heavenly agen-
cies, men conduct themselves as though
they could afford to set aside the claims
of God, and let the things of eternal im-
portance wait their convenience."—Funda-
mentals
of Christian Education,
pages 217,
218.
8.
What indications do we have
that God's promises are conditional?
Deut. 11:26-28; 1 John 1:9; Rev. 3:20.
NOTE.-"All
His [God's] gifts are prom- ,
ised on condition of obedience. God has
a heaven full of blessings for those who
will cooperate with Him. All who obey
Him may with confidence claim the ful-
fillment of His promises."—Christ's
Object
Lessons,
page 145.
Conditions for Fulfillment of
God's Promises
9.
How should we regard the Bible
promises? Luke 24:25; 1 Thess. 2:13.
NoTE.—"The good-ground hearer re-
ceives the Word ‘notas the word of men.
but as it is in truth, the Word of God.'
1 Thess. 2:13. Only he who receives the
Scriptures as the voice of God speaking
to himself is a true learner. He trembles at
the Word; for to him it is a living re-
ality."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 59.
10.
Of what must we as individuals
be fully persuaded in order to exper-
ience the fulfillment of God's prom-
ises? Rom. 4:20, 21. Compare Dan.
3:16-18; Matt. 9:28, 29.
11.
Upon what does the fulfillment
of such promises depend? Deut. 28:1,
2,
13, 14; Jer. 18:9, 10.
NOTE.—"Those who bring their petitions
to God, claiming His promise while they
do not comply with the conditions, insult
Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ
as their authority for the fulfillment of the
promise, but they do not those things that
would show faith in Christ and love for
Him.
"Many are forfeiting the conditions of
acceptance with the Father. We need to
examine closely the deed of trust where-
with we approach God. If we are dis-
obedient, we bring to the Lord a note to
be cashed when we have not fulfilled the
conditions that would make it payable to
us. We present to God His promises, and
ask Him to fulfill them, when by so doing
He would dishonor His own name."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 143.
12. When we comply with the con-
ditions God wisely attaches to His
promises, what assurance is ours?
1 John 5:14, 15; Mark 11:24.
NOTE.—"Is Jesus true? Does He mean
what He says? Answer decidedly, Yes,
every word. Then if you have settled this,
by faith claim every promise that He has
made, and receive the blessing; for this
acceptance by faith gives life to the soul.
You may believe that Jesus is true to you,
even though you feel yourself to be the
weakest and most unworthy of His
chil-
dren."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 517.
"For any gift He has promised, we may
ask; then we are to believe that we re-
ceive, and return thanks to God that we
have received.
"We need look for no outward evidence
of the blessing. The gift is in the promise,
and we may go about our work assured
that what God has promised He is able
to perform, and that the gift, which we
already possess, will be realized when we
need it
most."—Education,
page 258.
13. What should be mingled with
all our petitions? Phil. 4:6; Eph. 5:20.
Lesson 4, for April 27, 1968
Faith and the Promise of Reconciliation
MEMORY VERSE:
"For if,
when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by
the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by
His life." Romans 5:10.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 33-70; "The Desire of Ages,"
pages 19-26, 114-131, 741-764; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "The Great
Controversy," pages 675-678.
STUDY AIM:
To deepen the assurance of acceptance into the family of God.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
1.
Estranged From God
1.
A happy beginning. Gen. 1:27, 28;
2:15.
2.
Free moral agents—a choice.
Gen. 2:17.
.3. Failure and estrangement.
Gen. 3:6-8, 19, 24.
4. Man's condition hopeless.
Eph. 2:12; Rom. 5:12.
II. Love Found a Way
5.
God took the initiative. 1 John
4:10; Rom. 5:8.
6.
Christ took man's place. Heb. 2:9.
7.
Christ bore man's guilt. 2 Cor.
5:21; Isa. 53:4-6.
8.
Reconciliation assured. Rom. 5:10;
Col. 1:21.
III. The Estrangement Ended;
Reconciliation Effected
9.
From sinners to sons. Matt. 11:28;
John 12:32 ; 1:12.
10.
The new birth. John 3:3;
1 Cor. 6:9-11.
[12]
11.
Adopted into the royal family.
Gal. 4:4-7; Eph. 2:19.
12.
Represented before the Father.
Heb. 7:25; 1 Tim. 2:5.
13.
Heirs to an inheritance. Rom.
8:18; Rev. 21:7.
14.
The return of the redeemed.
Isa. 35:10.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"The sin of Adam and Eve caused a
fearful separation between God and man.
And Christ steps in between fallen man and
God, and says to man: 'You may yet come
to the Father; there is a plan devised
through which God can be reconciled to
man, and man to God; through a mediator
you can approach God.' And now He
stands to mediate for you. He is the great
High Priest who is pleading in your be-
half; and you are to come and present
your case to the Father through Jesus
Christ. Thus you can find access to God;
and though you sin, your case is not hope-
less. 'If any man sin, we have an Advocate
with the Father, Jesus Christ the righ-
teous.'
"—Testimonies,
Vol. 2, p. 591. Faith
makes this experience a reality.
Estranged From God
1.
In the beginning, what was the
condition of the first family? What
privilege did they enjoy? Gen. 1:27,
28; 2:15.
NOTE.—To man, the crowning work of
His creation, God gave three precious pos-
sessions: life, Gen. 2:7; a home, Gen. 2:
15 ; dominion, Gen. 1:28.
2.
With what special capacity did
the Creator endow the first pair? Gen.
2:17.
NoTE.—With the power to choose be-
tween good and evil also came account-
ability. Man, who is permitted to choose,
must also accept the consequences of his
choices. The consequences were made very
plain.
3.
What was the result of the un-
wise choice made by Adam and Eve?
Gen. 3:6-8, 19, 24.
NOTE.—How true are the words of
Isaiah: "For thus saith the Lord, Ye have
sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall
be redeemed without money." Isa. 52:3.
All that Adam and Eve were endowed
with they lost through disobedience: in-
nocence, Gen. 3:7; life, Gen. 3:19; home,
Gen. 3:23, 24; dominion, Heb. 2:8. God's
plan of reconciliation will, through Christ,
restore all that was lost through Adam.
Acts 3:21.
4.
As a consequence of transgres-
sion, what is man's condition? Eph.
2:12; Rom. 5:12.
Love Found a Way
5.
Who took the initiative in bring-
ing about a reconciliation? Why did
God do this? 1 John 4:10; Rom. 5:8.
6.
In becoming our Saviour, whose
place did Christ take? What was in-
volved? Heb. 2:9.
NoTE.—"After Christ had condescended
to leave His high command, step down
from an infinite height and assume hu-
manity, He could have taken upon Him
any condition of humanity He might
choose. But greatness and rank were noth-
ing to Him, and He selected the lowest
and most humble walk of life."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary, Vol.
7, p.
903.
[ 13 ]
"In Christ dwelt all the fullness of the
Godhead. But the only way in which He
could reach men was to veil His glory by
a garb of humanity. The angels beheld the
hiding of His glory, that divinity might
touch humanity. Christ ever retained the ut-
most hatred for sin, but He loved the pur-
chase of His blood. He suffered in the
place of sinful men, taking them into union
with Himself."—Ibid., p. 904.
7.
How closely did Christ identify
Himself with sinners? 2 Cor. 5:21;
Isa. 53:4-6.
NOTE.—"Christ made satisfaction for the
guilt of the whole world, and all who will
come to God in faith, will receive the righ-
teousness of Christ, 'who His own self bare
our sins in His own body on the tree,
that we, being dead to sins, should live
unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye
were healed' (1 Peter 2:24). Our sin has
been expiated, put away, cast into the
depths of the sea. Through repentance and
faith we are rid of sin, and look unto the
Lord our righteousness. Jesus suffered, the
just for the
unjust."—Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, pp. 392, 393.
8.
As a result of Christ's infinite
sacrifice, what was assured to sinners?
Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:21.
NOTE.—Our reconciliation with the Fa-
ther was assured. The way into the pres-
ence of God was opened. "In Him we
have a complete offering, an infinite sacri-
fice, a mighty Saviour, who is able to save
unto the uttermost all who come unto God
by Him. In love He comes to reveal the
Father, reconcile man to God, to make him
a new creature renewed after the image of
Him who created him.
"Jesus is our atoning sacrifice. We can
make no atonement for ourselves; but by
faith we can accept the atonement that
has been
made."—Selected Messages,
Bk. 1,
pp. 321, 322.
The Estrangement Ended;
Reconciliation Effected
9.
In view of the reconciliation
provided, what gracious invitation
and positive assurance is extended to
sinners? Matt. 11:28; John 12:32;
1:12.
10.
What marvelous transforma-
tion comes to all who by faith em-
brace the provisions God has made
for our reconciliation? John
3:3;
1 Cor. 6:9-11.
NOTE.—"The Lord Jesus is making ex-
periments on human hearts through the
exhibition of His mercy and abundant
grace. He is effecting transformations so
amazing that Satan, with all his triumph-
ant boasting, with all his confederacy of evil
united against God and the laws of His
government, stands viewing them as a for-
tress impregnable to his sophistries and
delusions. They are to him an incompre-
hensible mystery. The angels of God, sera-
phim and cherubim, the powers commis-
sioned to cooperate with human agencies,
look on with astonishment and joy, that
fallen men, once children of wrath, are
through the training of Christ developing
characters after the divine similitude, to
be sons and daughters of God, to act an
important part in the occupations and
pleasures of heaven."—Sons
and Daugh-
ters of God,
page 356.
11.
Into what family are trans-
formed sinners adopted? Gal. 4:4-7;
Eph. 2:19.
NoTE.—"The only-begotten Son of God
has died that we might live. The Lord has
accepted this sacrifice in our behalf, as our
substitute and surety, on the condition that
we receive Christ and believe on Him.
The sinner must come in faith to Christ,
take hold of His merits, lay his sins upon
the Sin Bearer, and receive His pardon. It
was for this cause that Christ came into
the world. Thus the righteousness of Christ
is imputed to the repenting, believing sin-
ner. He becomes a member of the royal
family, a child of the heavenly King, an
heir of God, and joint heir with Christ"—
Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, p. 215.
[ 14 ]
12.
In what capacity does Christ
now serve before the Father? Heb.
7:25; 1 Tim. 2:5. Compare 1 John 2:1.
NOTE.
-"The
intercession of Christ in
man's behalf in the sanctuary above is as
essential to the plan of salvation as was
His death upon the cross. By His death
He began that work which after His res-
urrection He ascended to complete in
heaven."-The
Great Controversy,
page
489.
13.
By virtue of membership in the
royal family, to what may the chil-
dren of God look forward? Rom. 8:
18; Rev. 21:7.
NOTE.
-"Language
fails to express the
value of the immortal inheritance. The
glory, riches, and honor offered by the Son
of God are of such infinite value that it is
beyond the power of men or even angels
to give any just idea of their worth, their
excellence, their
magnificence."-Testinto-
nies,
Vol. 2, p. 40.
14.
What picture does Isaiah por-
tray of the ransomed as they return
to their eternal home? Isa. 35:10.
Lesson 5, for May 4, 1968
Faith and the Promise. of Pardon
MEMORY VERSE:
"Let
the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his
thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon
him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:7.
STUDY HELPS:
"Steps to Christ," chapters, "Repentance" and "Confession"; "Testi-
monies," Vol. 5, pp. 635-641.
STUDY AIM:
To
gain a fuller appreciation of the assurance of pardon given to
every believing child of God.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I.
The Universal Need for Pardon
1.
All have sinned and need pardon.
Rom. 3:23; 5:12.
2.
The consequences of sin.
Rom. 6:23 ; Prov. 11:19; Isa. 59:2.
3.
Sin enslaves. John 8:34 ; Rom.
6:16.
4.
No human remedy. Jer. 2:22;
13:23 ; Rom. 7:18-20, 24.
II. The Promise of Pardon
5.
God's attitude toward sinners.
Micah 7:18; Ex. 34:6, 7.
6.
The price of our pardon.
Eph. 1:7; 1 John 4:10.
7.
An Advocate provided. Rom.
8:34; Heb. 9:24.
8.
God's invitation to all. Isa. 1:18.
Ili. Conditions of Pardon
9.
Recognition of our need. Job 42:5,
6; Ps. 51:4, 5.
10.
Confession. 1 John 1:9; Prov.
28:13; Ps. 32:5.
11.
Thorough repentance and reforma-
tion. Ezek. 18:30; 2 Chron. 7:14;
Isa. 55:7.
12.
Willingness to forgive others.
Matt. 6:12, 14, 15; 18:21, 22.
IV. The Assurance of Pardon
13.
Sins pardoned and forgotten.
Jer. 31:34; Heb. 10:22, 23 ;
1 John 5:14, 15.
[15
1
THE LESSON
there is not a more fearful warning against
trifling with evil than the words of the
wise man that the sinner 'shall be holden
with the cords of his sins.' Prov. 5:22."—
Steps to Christ,
page 34.
4. How does the Bible state the im-
possibility of man's freeing himself
from sin and its effects? Jer. 2:22; 13:
23; Rom. 7:18-20, 24.
Introduction
Every individual has a past as well as
a present. That past we cannot ignore, for
memory keeps us constantly in touch with
it. In the past, "all have sinned, and come
short of the glory of God." It is the studied
purpose of Satan, the originator of evil, to
haunt humanity with the sins of the past.
The result is frustration and bewilderment.
Mankind has been offered many self-help
remedies for guilt and frustration, but all
such remedies have proved futile. Without
divine intervention the condition of the
human family is hopeless.
But God has intervened. An incalculable
price has been paid for our sins. A foun-
tain has been opened for sin and unclean-
ness, where we may wash and be clean.
The promise is explicit and clear: "Though
your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as
white as snow; though they be red like
crimson, they shall be as wool." Isa. 1:18.
May God bring to each heart the
assurance
of forgiveness.
The Universal Need for Pardon
1.
How many are in need of par-
don? Why? Rom. 3:23; 5:12.
2.
Unless we repent of our sins
and receive pardon, what will be the
result? Rom. 6:23; Prov. 11:19; Isa.
59:2.
3.
What is the condition of one
who yields to sin? John 8:34; Rom.
6:16.
NOTE.—"Even one wrong trait of char-
acter, one sinful desire, persistently cher-
ished, will eventually neutralize all the
power of the gospel. Every sinful indul-
gence strengthens the soul's aversion to
God. The man who manifests an infidel
hardihood, or a stolid indifference to divine
truth, is but reaping the harvest of that
which he has himself sown. In all the Bible
NOTE.—"As your conscience has been
quickened by the Holy Spirit, you have
seen something of the evil of sin, of its
power, its guilt, its woe; and you look
upon it with abhorrence. You feel that
sin has separated you from God, that you
are in bondage to the power of evil. The
more you struggle to escape, the more you
realize your helplessness. Your motives are
impure; your heart is unclean. You see
that your life has been filled with selfish-
ness and sin. You long to be forgiven, to
be cleansed, to be set free. Harmony with
God, likeness to Him—what can you do to
obtain it?
"It is peace you need—Heaven's forgive-
ness and peace and love in the soul. Money
cannot buy it, intellect cannot procure it,
wisdom cannot attain to it; you can never
hope, by your own efforts, to secure it."—
Steps to Christ,
page 49.
The Promise of Pardon
5. What is God's disposition and
attitude toward sinners? Micah 7:18;
Ex. 34:6, 7.
NOTE.—"The Lord is full of compassion
for His suffering ones. What sins are too
great for His pardon? He is merciful, and
as such is infinitely more ready and more
pleased to pardon than to condemn. He is
gracious, not looking for wrong in us; He
knoweth our frame; He remembereth that
we are but dust. In His boundless com-
passion and mercy He heals all our back-
slidings, loving us freely while we are yet
sinners, withdrawing not His light, but
shining on us for Christ's
sake."—Selected
Messages,
Bk. 2, p. 231.
[ 16 ]
6.
What action did God's love
prompt Him to take for our pardon?
Eph. 1:7; 1 John 4:10.
NOTE.—"All heaven suffered in Christ's
agony; but that suffering did not begin or
end with His manifestation in humanity.
The cross is a revelation to our dull senses
of the pain that, from its very inception,
sin has brought to the heart of God.
Every departure from the right, every deed
of cruelty, every failure of humanity to
reach His ideal, brings grief to Him."—
Education,
page 263.
"Without the cross, man could have no
union with the Father. On it depends our
every hope. From it shines the light of the
Saviour's love, and when at the foot of the
cross the sinner looks up to the One who
died to save him, he may rejoice with full-
ness of joy, for his sins are pardoned.
Kneeling in faith at the cross, he has
reached the highest place to which man can
attain."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
209, 210.
7.
How is the Christian's case rep-
resented before the Father? Rom. 8:
34; Heb. 9:24.
NOTE.—"Eireryone who will break from
the slavery and service of Satan, and will
stand under the blood-stained banner of
Prince Emmanuel will be kept by Christ's
intercessions. Christ, as our Mediator, at
the right hand of the Father,- ever keeps
us in view, for it is as necessary that He
should keep us by His intercessions as
that He should redeem us with His blood.
If He lets go His hold of us for one mo-
ment, Satan stands ready to destroy. Those
purchased by His blood, He now keeps by
His intercession."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6,
p. 1078.
8.
What compelling invitation does
God extend to all? Isa. 1:18.
Conditions of Pardon
9.
What revelation of ourselves will
motivate us to seek God's pardon?
Job 42:5, 6; Psalm 51:4, 5. Compare
Luke 15:17, 18.
NOTE.—"No deep-seated love for Jesus
can dwell in the heart that does not realize
its own sinfulness....
"The less we see to esteem in ourselves,
the more we shall see to esteem in the in-
finite purity and loveliness of our Saviour.
A view of our sinfulness drives us to Him
who can pardon; and when the soul, real-
izing its helplessness, reaches out after
Christ, He will reveal Himself in power.
The more our sense of need drives us to
Him and to the Word of God, the more
exalted views we shall have of His char-
acter, and the more fully we shall reflect
His
image."—Steps to Christ,
page 65.
10.
What is required of those who
seek forgiveness? How definite must
our confessions be? 1 John 1:9; Prov.
28:13; Ps. 32:5.
NOTE.—"There is great need today of
just such sincere, heartfelt repentance and
confession [as that of Daniell. Those who
have not humbled• their souls before God in
acknowledging their guilt have not yet ful-
filled the first condition of acceptance."—
Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 636.
11.
What must accompany confes-
sion in order that it may be acceptable
to God? Ezek. 18:30; 2 Chron. 7:14;
Isa. 55:7. Compare Lev. 6:4, 5.
NOTE.—"Confession will not be accept-
able to God without sincere repentance
and reformation. There must be decided
changes in the life; everything offensive to
God must be put
away."—Steps to Christ,
page 39.
Note the heartfelt repentance of David
recorded in Psalm 51.
17
12.
What spirit must we maintain
toward others if we would have our
sins pardoned? Matt. 6:12, 14, 15;
18:21, 22.
NOTE.—"We are not forgiven
because
we forgive, but
as
we forgive. The ground
of all forgiveness is found in the unmerited
love of God, but by our attitude toward
others we show whether we have made
that love our
own."—Christ's Object Les-
Sons,
page 251.
The Assurance of Pardon
13.
When we believe God's prom-
ises and comply with the conditions,
what assurance may we, by faith, ac-
cept? Jer. 31:34; Heb. 10:22, 23;
1 John 5:14, 15.
NOTE.—Faith assures us of the fulfill-
ment of God's promises.. Ellen G. White,
having described the healing of the para-
lytic at Bethesda, makes the following
application:
"In like manner you are a sinner. You
cannot atone for your past sins; you can-
not change your heart and make it holy.
But God promises to do all this for you
through Christ. You
believe
that promise.
You confess your sins and give yourself to
God. You
will
to serve Him. Just as surely
as you do this, God will fulfil His word
to you. If you believe the promise,—believe
that you are forgiven and cleansed,—God
supplies the fact; you are made whole, just
as Christ gave the paralytic power to walk
when the man believed that he was healed.
It
is
so if you believe it.
"Do not wait to
feel
that you are made
whole, but say, 'I believe it; it
is
so, not
because I feel it, but because God has
promised.'
"—Steps to Christ,
page 51.
Lesson 6, for May 11, 1968
Faith and the Promise of God's Presence
MEMORY VERSE:
"And He said, My presence shall go with thee, and
I
will give
thee rest." Exodus 33:14.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies," Vol.
5, pp. 628, 651,
652; "Testimonies to Ministers,"
pages 387-391; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; Psalm 139.
STUDY AIM:
To
gain a deeper realization of the fact that we are always in the
presence of the infinite God.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Infinite God Is Everywhere
Present
1.
He is infinite in power and
knowledge. Isa. 40:25-28.
2.
His presence fills heaven and earth.
Isa. 66:1; Acts 7:48-50.
3.
His presence dwells with the
humble. Isa. 57:15 ; 66:2.
4.
He is never far from any one of us.
Acts 17:26-28.
II. God Knows Every Detail of
Our Lives
5.
His eye sees all. Heb. 4:13;
Jer. 23:24; Ps. 139:7-12.
6.
He knows all our activities.
Ps. 139:1-3; Isa. 29:15.
7.
He knows our words and motives.
Ps. 139:4; Matt. 12:36, 37.
III. Assurance of God's Presence
and Aid
8. His presence promised to His
children. Ex. 33:14; John 14:18;
Heb. 13:5.
18
9.
He is present in all our trials.
Isa. 43:1, 2 ; 63:9.
10.
Assurance to Israel and Joshua.
Deut. 31:6-8; 4:7.
11.
The secret of Moses' faith.
IIeb. 11:27.
12.
Faith makes the promised presence
a reality. Ps. 16:8.
13.
The influence of His abiding
presence. 2 Cor. 3:18.
THE LESSON
Introduction
A satisfying fellowship with God can be
established only upon an unwavering faith
in His reality and His presence. Paul says:
"And without faith it is impossible to
please Him. The man who approaches God
must have faith in two things, first that
God exists and secondly that it is worth
a man's while to try to find God." Heb.
11:6. (From
The New Testament in Mod-
ern English,
copyright J. B. Phillips 1958.
Used by permission of The Macmillan
Company.)
"As a shield from temptation and an
inspiration to purity and truth,
no other
influence can equal the sense of God's pres-
ence.
'All things are nak-d and opened unto
the eyes of Him with whom we have to
do.' . . . This thought was Joseph's shield
amidst the corruptions of Egypt. To the
allurements of temptation his answer was
steadfast: 'How . . . can I do this great
wickedness, and sin against God?' Gen.
39:9. Such a shield, faith, if cherished, will
bring to every
soul."—Education,
page 255.
(Emphasis supplied.)
The Infinite God Is Everywhere
Present
1.
What evidence does Isaiah
give
of the power and knowledge of God?
Isa. 40:25-28.
2.
How extensive is the presence of
God? Isa. 66:1; Acts 7:48-50.
3.
Although the presence of God
fills the heavens and the earth, with
whom does He condescend to dwell?
Isa. 57:15; 66:2.
NOTE.—"We should cherish gratitude of
heart all the days of our life because the
Lord has put on record these words: 'For
thus saith the high and lofty One that
inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I
dwell in the high and holy place, with him
also that is of a contrite and humble spirit,
to revive the spirit of the humble, and to
revive the heart of the contrite ones.' The
reconciliation of God to man, and man to
God, is sure when certain conditions are
met."—Fundamentals of Christian Educa-
tion,
page 370.
"From the soul that feels his need, noth-
ing is withheld. He has unrestricted access
to Him in whom all fullness dwells."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 300.
4.
How closely has God identified
Himself with humanity? Acts 17:26-
28.
NOTE.—"Nature in her work testifies of
the intelligent presence and active agency
of a Being who moves in all His works
according to His will. It is not by an orig-
inal power inherent in nature that year
by year the earth produces its bounties
and the world keeps up its continual march
around the sun. The hand of infinite power
is perpetually at work guiding this planet.
It is God's power momentarily exercised
that keeps it in position in its rotations.
The God of heaven is constantly at work.
It is by His power that vegetation is caused
to flourish, that every leaf appears and
every flower blooms. It is not as the result
of a mechanism, that, once set in motion,
continues its work, that the pulse beats and
breath follows breath. In God we live and
move and have our being. Every breath,
every throb of the heart, is the continual
evidence of the power of an ever-present
God."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1062.
[ 19 ]
God Knows Every Detail
of Our Lives
5.
Is it possible for man to with-
draw himself from the presence of
God? Heb. 4:13; Jer. 23:24; Ps. 139:
7-12.
NOTE.—"If we were to cherish an habit-
ual impression that God sees and hears
all that we do and say and keeps a faith-
ful record of our words and actions, and
that we must meet it all, we would fear
to sin. Let the young ever remember that
wherever they are, and whatever they do,
they are in the presence of God. No part
of our conduct escapes observation. We
cannot hide our ways from the Most
High."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 217.
6.
How fully is God acquainted
with all our ways? Ps. 139:1-3; Isa.
29:15.
NOTE.—"The eye of the Lord is upon
all the work, all the plans, all the imagin-
ings of every mind; He sees beneath the
surface of things, discerning the thoughts
and intents of the heart. There is not a
deed of darkness, not a plan, not an imag-
ination of the heart, not a thought of the
mind, but that He reads it as an open
book. Every act, every word, every mo-
tive, is faithfully chronicled in the records
by the great Heart Searcher, who said,
`I know thy works.'
"—Testimonies to
Ministers,
pages 463, 464.
7. With what else besides our ac-
tions is God also fully acquainted?
What accounting must eventually be
made? Ps. 139:4; Matt. 12:36, 37.
NOTE.—"We are never alone. We have a
Companion, whether we choose Him or
not. . . . To your every word and action
you have a witness,—the holy, sin-hating
God. Nothing that is said or done or
thought can escape His infinite eye. Your
words may not be heard by human ears,
but they are heard by the Ruler of the
universe. He reads the inward anger of the
soul when the will is crossed. He hears the
expression of profanity. In the deepest
darkness and solitude He is there. No one
can deceive God; none can escape from
their accountability to Him."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary,Vol. 3,
p. 1153.
Assurance of God's Presence
and Aid
8.
What precious promise has God
made to His people? Ex. 33:14; John
14:18; Heb. 13:5.
NOTE.—"The presence of God is guar-
anteed to the Christian. This Rock of faith
is the living presence of God. The weakest
may depend upon it. Those who think
themselves the strongest may become the
weakest unless they depend on Christ as
their efficiency, their worthiness. This is
the Rock upon which we may build suc-
cessfully. God is near in Christ's atoning
sacrifice, in His intercession, His loving,
tender ruling power over the church. Seated
by the eternal throne, He watches them
with intense interest. As long as the mem-
bers of the church shall through faith draw
sap and nourishment from Jesus Christ,
and not from man's opinions and devis-
ings, and methods; if having a conviction
of the nearness of God in Christ, they put
their entire trust in Him, they will have
a vital connection with Christ as the
branch has connection with the parent
stock."—Sons
and Daughters of God,
page
77.
9.
How does the living God identify
Himself with our trials? Isa.
43:1,
2;
63:9. Compare Dan. 6:18-23; 3:21-25;
Acts 27:23-25.
NOTE.—"As in the days of Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abednego, so in the cloSing
period of earth's history the Lord will
work mightily in behalf of those who
stand steadfastly for the right. He who
[ 20 1
walked with the Hebrew worthies into the
fiery furnace will be with His followers
wherever they are. His abiding presence
will comfort and
sustain."—Prophets and
Kings,
page 513,
10.
What wonderful assurance did
Moses give to Joshua and his people?
What should they exercise as a result
of This promise? Deut. 31:6-8; 4:7.
NoTE.—"To His children today the Lord
declares, 'Be strong, . . . and work: for
I am with you.' The Christian always has a
strong helper in the Lord. The way of the
Lord's helping we may not know; but
this we do know: He will never fail those
who put their trust in Him. Could Chris-
tians realize how many times the Lord
has ordered their way, that the purposes
of the enemy concerning them might not
be accomplished, they would not stumble
along complainingly. Their faith would be
stayed on God, and no trial would have
power to move
them."—Prophets and
Kings,
page 576.
11.
What was the secret of Moses'
faith? Heb. 11:27.
NOTE.—"When God commanded Moses
to do anything, he did it without stopping
to consider what the consequences might
be. He gave God credit for wisdom to
know what He meant and firmness of pur-
pose to mean what He said ; and therefore
Moses acted as seeing the Invisible."—
Fundamentals of Christian Education,
page
346.
12. What must we do individually
if the presence of God is to be a liv-
ing reality to us? Ps. 16:8.
NoTE.—If we would have an ever deep-
ening sense of the presence of God, then
we must cultivate a proper relationship by
setting the Lord always before us. This
requires constant vigilance and practice.
We must:
a.
Exercise
an
unwavering faith in the
promises of His presence.
"God has given
us Jesus, and in Him is the revelation of
God. Our Redeemer says: 'If a man love
Me, he will keep My words: and My Fa-
ther will love him, and We will come unto
him, and make Our abode with him.'
[John 14:23.] . . . If we know God, and
Jesus Christ whom He has sent, unspeak-
able gladness will come to the soul. Oh,
how we need the divine presence
!"—Testi-
monies to Ministers,
pages 169, 170.
b.
Let Christ be real to us.
This is what
is meant by setting the Lord always before
us. Our joys, our sorrows, our plans, our
labors—all must be constantly kept before
Him through communion. "We may com-
mune with God in our hearts; we may
walk in companionship with Christ. When
engaged in our daily labor, we may
breathe out our heart's desire, inaudible
to any human ear; but that word cannot
die away into silence, nor can it be lost.
Nothing can drown the soul's desire. It
rises above the din of the street, above
the noise of machinery. It is God to whom
we are speaking, and our prayer is heard."
—Gospel Workers,
page 258.
13. What effect will a sense of
God's presence have upon our life
and character? 2 Cor. 3:18.
Lesson 7, for May 18, 1968
Faith and the Promise of God's Love
MEMORY VERSE:
"And we have known and believed the love.that God hath to
us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in
him." 1 John 4:16.
1211
STUDY HELPS:
First epistle of John; 1 Corinthians 13; "The Acts of the Apostles,"
pages 546-551; "Steps to Christ," chapters, "God's Love for Man" and "Test
of Discipleship"; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To understand the need of having the love of God implanted in the
heart, and to realize that this can be accomplished only through the exercise
of faith in God's promises.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Human Love Is Not Enough
1.
Human love is often selfish.
Luke 6:32, 33; Ezek. 33:31.
2.
What God's chosen people lacked.
John 5:42.
3.
The quality of love that is essential.
John 17:26.
4.
Need for all-embracing love.
Matt. 5 :43-47.
5.
Faith also needed. Gal. 5:6.
II. God Has Promised Us His Love
6. God's love made known. John
3:16; Rom. 5:6-8.
7.
God shares His love with His
children. Rom. 5:5.
8.
Love, the basis of fellowship.
1 John 4:7, 8.
III. Evidences of Divine Love in the Life
9.
Leads to obedience. 1 John 2:5, 6;
5:3; 2 John 6.
10.
Embraces the brotherhood.
John 13:34, 35; 14:15; 1
John
4:19-21.
11.
Motivates to service. 2 Cor. 5:14.
12.
Manifests itself in compassion.
1 John 3:17, 18; Matt. 9:36.
13.
Leads to endurance. Rom. 8:
35-39.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Yes; Christ has said it, and He means
just what He says. He will honor all our
drafts if we will grasp His promise by liv-
ing faith, and put our trust in Him.
Look to Him, and live. All who obey God
are embraced in the prayer which Christ
offered to His Father, 'I have declared unto
them Thy name, and will declare it: that
the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me
may be in them, and I in them' (John 17:
26). Wonderful truth, too difficult for hu-
manity to comprehend
!"-Selected Mes-
sages,
Bk. 1, p. 300.
Divine love is too infinite to compre-
hend, but not too difficult to experience if
we accept it on God's promises by simply
appropriating faith.
Human Love Is Not Enough
1.
What does the Bible say of the
shallowness of what some call "love"?
Luke 6:32, 33; Ezek. 33:31.
NOTE.
-"It
is true that there may be an
outward correctness of deportment with-
out the renewing power of Christ. The
love of influence and the desire for the
esteem of others may produce a well-
ordered life. Self-respect may lead us to
avoid the appearance of evil. A selfish heart
may perform generous actions. By what
means, then, shall we determine whose side
we are on
?"-Steps to Christ.,
page 58.
2.
What
did
Christ say
the people
of
His day lacked? John 5:42.
NOTE.
-In
Christ's day the professed
people of God had made no room in their
hearts for His love, therefore they were
incapable of loving God in return.
"In rejecting the love of Christ they re-
ject that which alone can impart purity
and steadfastness to human
love."-Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 225.
(22
7
"The acceptance of the Saviour brings
a glow of perfect peace, pe
-
fect love, per-
fect assurance."—Ibid., p. 420.
3.
What type of love did Jesus
pray for His followers to possess?
John 17:26.
NOTE.—"The Lord has made abundant
provision that His love may be given to
us as His free, abundant grace, as our in-
heritance in this life, to enable us to diffuse
the same by being yoked up with Christ.
Jesus conveys the circulating vitality of a
pure and sanctified Christlike love through
every part of our human nature. When
this love is expressed in the character, it
reveals to all those with whom we associ-
ate that it is possible for God to be formed
within, the hope of
glory."—Fundamentals
of Christian Education,
page 466.
4.
If we desire to be Christlike,
how all-embracing must our love be-
come? Matt. 5:43-47.
NOTE.—"The children of God are those
who are partakers of His nature. It is
not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality,
nor religious privilege, which proves that
we arc members of the family of God; it
is love, a love that embraces all humanity.
Even sinners whose hearts are not utterly
closed to God's Spirit, will respond to
kindness; while they may give hate for
hate, they will also give love for love. But
it is only the Spirit of God that gives love
for hatred. To be kind to the unthankful
and to the evil, to do good hoping for
nothing again, is the insignia of the roy-
alty of heaven, the sure token by which
the children of the Highest reveal their
high
estate."—Thoughts From the Mount
of Blessing,
page 75.
5.
What two traits of character are
mentioned as particularly desirable in
the Christian life? Gal. 5:6.
NorE.—"Faith and love are the essential,
powerful, working elements of Christian
character. Those who possess them are one
with Christ, and are carrying forward His
mission. . . We are to sit at Christ's feet
as continual learners, and to work with His
gifts of faith and love. We shall then
wear Christ's yoke, and lift His burdens,
and Christ will recognize us
.
as one with
Him; in heaven •it will be said, 'Ye arc
laborers together with
God.'"—Sons and
Daughters of God,
page 71.
God Has Promised Us His Love
6.
How did God make His mar-
velous love known to man?
John
3:
16; Rom. 5:6-8.
NoTE.—"Not because we first loved Him
did Christ love us; but 'while we were yet
sinners' He died for us. He does not
treat us according to our desert. Al-
though our sins have merited condemna-
tion, He does not condemn us. . . . Not-
withstanding our wanderings, our hardness
of heart, our neglect of His Holy Word,
His hand is stretched out still.
"Grace is an attribute of God exercised
toward undeserving human beings. We
did not seek for it, but it was sent in
search of
us."—The Ministry of Healing,
page 161.
7.
How did we come into posses-
sion of God's love? Rom 5:5.
NOTE.—"It is the work of the Holy
Spirit from age to age to impart love to
human hearts, for love is the living prin-
ciple of
brotherhood."—Testimonies,
Vol.
8, p. 139.
"Jesus came to impart to the human
soul the Holy Spirit, by which the love of
God is shed abroad in the heart; but
it is impossible to endow men with the
Holy Spirit, who are set in their ideas,
whose doctrines are all stereotyped and
unchangeable, who are walking after the
traditions and commandments of men, as
were the Jews in the time of Christ."—
Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, p. 386.
Since God's love can be implanted in the
heart only by the Holy Spirit, it is evi-
dent that this divine love is absent from
the life only because no room has been
made for the Holy Spirit.
(
231
"The great sin of those who profess to
be Christians is that they do not open the
heart to receive the Holy Spirit."—Ibid.,
Bk. 2, p. 57.
8.
What intimate relationship does
love establish? 1 John 4:7, 8.
NOTE: —"True sanctification comes
through the working out of the principle of
love. 'God is love; and he that dwelleth in
love dwelleth in God, and God in him.'
"—
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 560.
"The love of Christ is a golden chain
that binds finite, human beings who be-
lieve in Jesus Christ to the Infinite God.
The love that the Lord has for His chil-
dren passeth knowledge. No science can
define or explain it. No human wisdom
can fathom it. The more we feel the in-
fluence of this love, the more meek and
humble shall we be."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol.
5, p. 1141.
"Pure love is simple in its operations,
and separate from every other principle
of action. When combined with earthly
motives and selfish interests, it ceases to
be pure. God considers more with how
much love we work, than the amount we
do. Love is a heavenly attribute. The nat-
ural heart cannot originate
it."—Ibid.,
Vol.
7, p. 952.
Evidences of Divine Love in the Life
9.
When the love of God dwells in
the heart, what will we desire to do?
1 John 2:5, 6; 5:3; 2 John 6.
NOTE.—"But notice here that obedience
is not a mere outward compliance, but the
service of love. . . . If our hearts are re-
newed in the likeness of God, if the divine
love is implanted in the soul, will not the
law of God be carried out in the life?
When the principle of love is implanted
in the heart, when man is_ renewed after
the image of Him that created him, the
new-covenant promise is fulfilled, 'I will
put My laws into their hearts, and in
their minds will I write them.' . . . And
if the law is written in the heart, will it
not shape the life? Obedience—the service
and allegiance of love—is the true sign of
discipleship."
7
--Steps
to Christ,
page 60.
10.
What is positive evidence that
the love of God has been shed abroad
in our hearts? What is the proof of
true discipleship? John 13:34, 35; 14:
15; 1 John 4:19-21.
NOTE.—"Supreme love for God and un-
selfish love for one another,—this is the
best' gift our heavenly Father can bestow.
This love is not an impulse, but a divine
principle, a permanent power. The un-
consecrated heart cannot originate or pro-
duce it. Only in the heart where Jesus
reigns is it found. 'We love Him because
He first loved us.' In the heart renewed by
divine grace, love is the ruling principle of
action. It modifies the character, governs
the impulses, controls the passions, and
ennobles the affections."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 551.
11.
What is the compelling mo-
tive in service? 2 Cor. 5:14.
NOTE.—" 'The love of Christ,' said Paul,
`constraineth us.' 2 Corinthians 5:14. This
was the actuating principle of his conduct;
it was his motive power. If ever his
ardor in the path of duty flagged for a
moment, one glance at the cross caused
him to gird up anew the loins of his mind,
and press forward in the way of self de-
nial. In his labors for his brethren he relied
much upon the manifestations of infinite
love in the sacrifice of Christ, with its
subduing, constraining power."—The
Min-
istry of Healing,
page 500.
12.
What attitude, if manifested,
shows that the love of God does not
possess us? Contrast this with the at-
titude of the Master. 1 John 3:17, 18;
Matt. 9:36.
NOTE.—"Although the customs of the
world are no criterion for us, vet I have
been shown that the pitying sympathy and
the benevolence of the world for the unfor-
[
24
]
tunate in many cases shame the professed
followers of Christ. Many manifest in-
difference toward those whom God has
thrown among them for the purpose of
testing and proving them, and developing
what is in their hearts. God reads. He
marks every act of selfishness, every act
of indifference toward the afflicted, the
widows and the fatherless; and He writes
against their names, 'Guilty, wanting, law-
breakers.' We shall be rewarded as our
works have
been."-Testimonies,
Vol. 3,
pp. 524, 525.
13. What assurance is given that
the love of God can sustain us under
all circumstances? Rom. 8:35-39.
NOTE.
-"When
Christ took human na-
ture upon Him, He bound humanity to
Himself by a tie of love that can never
be broken by any power save the choice
of man himself. Satan will constantly pre-
sent allurements to induce us to break this
tie-to choose to separate ourselves from
Christ. Here is where we need to watch, to
strive, to pray, that nothing may entice
us to
choose
another master; for we are
always free to do this. But let us keep our
eyes fixed upon Christ, and He will pre-
serve us. Looking unto Jesus, we are safe.
Nothing can pluck us out of His hand."-
Steps to Christ,
page 72.
Lesson 8, for May 25, 1968
Faith and
the
Promise
of Answered Prayer
MEMORY VERSE:
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing,
ye shall receive." Matthew 21:22.
STUDY HELPS:
"Steps
to Christ," pages 93-104; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages
139-149; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," pages 102-122; "S.D.A.
Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To develop a simple, appropriating faith in the assurance that "not
one sincere prayer is lost; that "amid the anthems of the celestial choir, God
hears the cries of the weakest human being."-"Christ's Object Lessons," page
174.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Communication With God
1.
Fellowship, a Christian privilege.
1 John 1:3.
2.
We may become sons of God.
John 1:12; 1 John 3:1-3; Rom.
8:16.
3.
Acquaintance with the Divine.
John 17:3; Job 22:21; Rev. 3:20.
II. Communication, a Privilege and
a Necessity
4.
Constant communication necessary.
Luke 18:1; Eph. 6:18; 1 Thess.
5:17.
5.
Asking and receiving.
Luke 11:9, 10.
6. Proper spirit in prayer.
Phil. 4:4-7.
III. Assurances of Divine Response
7. An amazing promise. Matt.
21:22;
Mark 11:24; John 15:7.
8. The answer is assured. 1 John
5:14, 15.
9. Prayer made effectual. Rom. 8:26.
IV. Conditions of Answered Prayer
10. Pray in His name. John 14:
12-14; 16:23-27.
11. Know the will of God.
1 John 5:14.
12. Be willing to obey. 1 John 3:
22; Ps. 66:18.
13. Unselfishly seek God's glory.
John 14:13.
14. Ask in faith. Heb.
11:6;
James 1:6, 7.
125
1
THE LESSON
Introduction
The very nature of a genuine Christian
experience makes prayer imperative. Chris-
tianity is not a creed, nor is it a set of
truths. It is intensely personal. "Christ is
Christianity."—Gospel
Workers,
pages 282,
283. There is no salvation apart from
Jesus Christ, and He is ever the same.
Heb. 13:8. Hence a Christian experience is
fellowship with Jesus, and this fellowship
is established by faith. Paul declares: "God
is faithful, by whom ye were called unto
the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ
our Lord." 1 Cor. 1:9.
Fellowship can be maintained only
through unbroken communion. This is true
of earthly friendships; it is doubly true
of our friendship and fellowship with
Christ. Neglect communion, and religion
becomes a dry formality. Hence the Master
taught that "men ought always to pray,
and not to faint."
"It is now that we are to learn this les-
son of prevailing prayer, of unyielding
faith. The greatest victories to the church
of Christ or to the individual Christian
are not those that are gained by talent or
education, by wealth or the favor of
men. They are those victories that are
gained in the audience chamber with God,
when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold
upon the mighty arm of
power."—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
page 203.
Communication With God
1. What is the ultimate purpose of
the gospel? 1 John 1:3. Compare
1 Cor. 1:9.
NOTE.—"Never feel that Christ is far
away. He is always near. His loving pres-
ence surrounds you. Seek Him as one who
desires to be found of you. He desires you
not only to touch His garments, but to
walk with Him in constant communion."—
The Ministry of Healing,
page 85.
"Wherever we go, there is the recollec-
tion of One dear to us. We are abiding in
Christ by a
.
living faith. He is abiding in
our hearts by our
individual appropriating
of faith,
We have the companionship of the
divine presence, and as
we realize this pres-
ence,
our thoughts are brought into cap-
tivity to Jesus
Christ."—Testimonies to
Ministers,
page 388. (Emphasis supplied.)
2.
What close relationship exists
between God and those who come to
Him in faith? John 1:12; 1 John 3:1-
3; Rom. 8:16.
3.
For what should God's children
earnestly seek? John 17:3; Job 22:21;
Rev. 3:20.
NoTE.—A personal acquaintance with
God is not only a Scriptural possibility, it
is the essence of Christianity. Many are the
ways in which God reveals Himself—
through His Word, through "ature, through
His providences, and by His Spirit. How
wonderful is the promise: "Jesus answered
and said unto him, If a man love Me, he
will keep My words: and My Father will
love him, and We will come unto him, and
make Our abode with him." John 14:23.
The fulfillment of this promise we may not
be able to explain, but we can experience it.
Communication, a Privilege
and a Necessity
4.
In order to maintain an un-
broken fellowship with God, what
must we do? Luke 18:1; Eph. 6:18;
1 Thess. 5:17.
NOTE.—"Through nature and revelation,
through His providence, and by the in-
fluence of His Spirit, God speaks to us.
But these are not enough; we need also
to pour out our hearts to Him. In order
to have spiritual life and energy, we must
have actual intercourse with our heavenly
Father. Our minds may be drawn out
toward Him; we may meditate upon His
works, His mercies, His blessings; but this
is not, in the fullest sense, communing with
Him. In order to commune with God, we
26 ]
must have something to say to Him con-
cerning our actual life.
"Prayer is the opening of the heart to
God as to a friend."—Steps
to Christ,
page
93.
"Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union
of the soul with God, so that life from God
flows into our life; and from our life,
purity and holiness flow back to God."—
Ibid.,
p. 98.
5.
In order to receive God's prom-
ised gifts and blessings, what are we
invited to do? Luke 11:9, 10.
Nora.—"The same compassionate Sav-
iour lives today, and He is as willing to
listen to the prayer of faith as when He
walked visibly among men. The natural
cooperates with the supernatural. It is a
part of God's plan to grant us, in answer
to the prayer of faith, that which He
would not bestow did we not thus ask."—
The Great Controversy,
page
525.
"Prayer is heaven's ordained means of
success in the conflict with sin and the de-
velopment of Christian character. The di-
vine influences that come in answer to the
prayer of faith will accomplish in the soul
of the suppliant all for which he pleads.
For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit,
for a Christlike temper, for wisdom and
strength to do His work, for any gift
He has promised, we may ask; and the
promise is, 'Ye shall receive.'
"—The Acts
of the Apostles,
page 564.
6.
In what spirit should God's chil-
dren pray? Phil. 4:4-7.
NoTE.—"Never is one repulsed who
comes to Him with a contrite heart. Not
one sincere prayer is lost. Amid the an-
thems of the celestial choir, God hears the
cries of the weakest human being. We
pour out our heart's desire in our closets,
we breathe a prayer as we walk by the
way, and our words reach the throne of
the Monarch of the
universe."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 174.
Assurances of Divine Response
7.
What challenging promises of
answered prayer has Christ made?
Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:24; John 15:7.
NOTE.—"Prayer and faith are closely
allied, and they need to be studied to-
gether. In the prayer of faith there is a
divine science; it is a science that every-
one who would make his lifework a suc-
cess must understand. Christ says, 'What
things soever ye desire, when ye pray, be-
lieve that ye receive them, and ye shall
have them.' Mark 11:24. He makes it
plain that our asking must be according
to God's will; we must ask for the things
that He has promised, and whatever we
receive must be used in doing His will.
The conditions met, the promise is un-
equivocal."—Education,
pages 257, 258.
"Why should the sons and daughters of
God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is
the key in the hand of faith to unlock
heaven's storehouse, where are treasured
the boundless resources of Omnipotence?"
—Steps to Christ,
pages 94, 95.
8.
With what attitude should we
approach the Saviour, and what as-
surance do we have when we come
to Him? 1 John 5:14, 15.
NoTE.—"When we come to Him in faith,
every petition enters the heart of God.
When we have asked for His blessing, we
should believe that we receive it, and
thank Him that we
have
received it. Then
we are to go about our duties, assured
that the blessing will be realized when we
need it most."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
200.
9.
What help may we claim in
making our prayers acceptable and ef-
fectual? Rom. 8:26.
NOTE.—"Christ, our Mediator, and the
Holy Spirit are constantly interceding in
man's behalf, but the Spirit pleads not for
us as does Christ who presents His blood,
[ 27 ]
shed from the foundation of the world; the
Spirit works upon our hearts, drawing out
prayers and penitence, praise and thanks-
giving. The gratitude which flows from
our lips is the result of the Spirit striking
the cords of the soul in holy memories,
awakening the music of the heart."—Ellen
G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary,
Vol. 6, pp. 1077, 1078.
Conditions of Answered Prayer
10. What secret of answered prayer
did Jesus mention? John 14:12-14;
16:23-27.
NOTE.—"To pray in Christ's name means
much. It means that we are to accept His
character, manifest His Spirit, and work
His works."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 668.
"To pray in the name of Jesus is some-
thing more than a mere mention of that
name at the beginning and the ending of
a prayer. It is to pray in the mind and
spirit of Jesus, while we believe His prom-
ises, rely upon His grace, and work His
works."—Steps to Christ,
pages 100, 101.
When we come in the name of Jesus, we
come not as beggars, but as children.
Therefore we may "come boldly [with con-
fidence] unto the throne of grace." Heb.
4:16.
11. With what must our prayers
harmonize? 1 John 5:14.
NoTE.—The will of God can be dis-
covered through a diligent study of the
Word of God and the messages of the
spirit of prophecy. A submissive will is no
substitute for a prayerful study of the
Bible.
12. To claim God's answer to our
prayers, what must be our attitude?
1 John 3:22; Ps. 66:18.
NOTE.—"All His
[God's] gifts are prom-
ised on condition of obedience. God has
a heaven full of blessings for those who
will cooperate with Him. All who obey
Him may with confidence claim the ful-
fillment of His promises."—Christ's
Object
Lessons,
page 145.
"Those who bring their petitions to God,
claiming His promise while they do not
comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah.
They bring the name of Christ as their
authority for the fulfillment of the prom-
ise, but they do not those things that
would show faith in Christ and love for
Him.
"Many are forfeiting the condition of ac-
ceptance with the Father. We need to ex-
amine closely the deed of trust wherewith
we approach God. If we are disobedient,
we bring to the Lord a note to be cashed
when we have not fulfilled the conditions
that would make it payable to
us."—Ibid.,
p. 143.
13. How does answered prayer af-
fect men's concept of God? John 14:
13.
14. To assure God's favorable re-
sponse to our prayers, what must we
exercise? Heb. 11:6; James 1:6, 7.
NOTE.—At times God's answer may be
No instead of Yes. Accordingly our peti-
tions should ever include the submissive
spirit in "If it be Thy will."
"Faith is an essential element of pre-
vailing prayer. . . . With the persevering
faith of Jacob, with the unyielding persist-
ence of Elijah, we may present our peti-
tions to the Father, claiming all that He
has promised. The honor of His throne is
staked for the fulfillment of His word."—
Prophets and Kings,
pages 157, 158.
"Pray in faith. And be sure to bring
your lives into harmony with your peti-
tions, that you may receive the blessings
for which you pray. Let not your faith
weaken, for the blessings received are pro-
portionate to the faith exercised. . . . Pray,
believe, rejoice. Sing praises to God be-
cause He has answered your prayers. Take
Him at His word. 'He is faithful that
promised.' Heb. 10:23. Not one sincere sup-
plication is
lost."—Testimones,
Vol. 7, p.
274.
[
28
]
Lesson 9, for June 1, 1968
Faith and God's Promises of Care and Guidance
MEMORY VERSE:
"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you."
1
Peter
5:7.
STUDY HELPS:
"Steps to Christ," pages 85-91; "Messages to Young People," page
156; "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 153, 154; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To develop greater confidence in God's promises of unfailing care
and guidance.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. God's Concern for His Children
1.
God loves us. John 16: 26, 27.
2.
God assures us of His care.
1 Peter 5:7.
3.
We need not be anxious.
Phil. 4:6.
4.
The peace of God "passeth all
understanding." Phil. 4:7.
II. Promises of God's Care
5. All our needs supplied. Ps. 84:11;
34:8-10; Phil. 4:19.
6.
Temporal necessities provided.
Matt. 6:25-32.
7.
Spiritual blessings given.
Eph. 1:3 ; 2 Peter 1:3, 4.
8.
Man must do his part.
1 Thess. 4:11; Prov. 10:4.
III. Promises of Guidance
9.
Our need of guidance.
Jer. 10:23, 24.
10.
God guides continually.
Ps. 32:8.
11.
God guides unerringly. Isa. 30:21.
12.
We must acknowledge Him.
Prov. 3:6.
13.
God guides through His Word
and His Spirit. Ps. 119:105 ;
John 16:13.
THE LESSON
Introduction
An adequate concept of the greatness
and the love of God will banish anxiety
and worry. God can be trusted to care
for His own. God will not call to Him-
self the helpless and needy only to aban-
don them. This is not the kind of God the
Bible presents. Christianity establishes a
parent-child relationship between us and
our heavenly Father. Our heavenly Parent
has all the resources; we, His children,
must maintain an attitude of confidence
and trust.
"He knows each individual by name,
and cares for each as if there were not
another upon the earth for whom He
gave His beloved Son."—The
Ministry of
Healing,
page 229.
"When we take into our hands the
management of things with which we have
to do, and depend upon our own wisdom
for success, we are taking a burden which
God has not given us, and are trying to
bear it without His aid. We are taking
upon ourselves the responsibility that be-
longs to God, and thus are really putting
ourselves in His place. We may well have
anxiety, and anticipate danger and loss;
for it is certain to befall us. But when
we really believe that God loves us, and
means to do us good, we shall cease to
worry about the future. We shall trust
God as a child trusts a loving parent.
Then our troubles and torments will dis-
appear; for our will is swallowed up in
the will of
God."—Sons and Daughters of
God,
page 119.
129
God's Concern for His Children
1.
What assurance did Jesus give
concerning the Father's love? John
16:26, 27.
NOTE.—"One who knows, has said, 'The
Father Himself loveth you.' One who has
had an experimental knowledge of the
length, and breadth, and height, and depth
of that love, has declared unto us this
amazing fact. . . . We are to be one with
Him as He is one with the Father, and
then we are beloved by the infinite God as
members of the body of Christ, as branches
of the living
Vine."—Fundamentals of
Christian Education,
page 178.
2.
What does the apostle Peter ad-
monish God's people to do? Why?
1 Peter 5:7.
NOTE.—"The Elder Brother of our race
is by the eternal throne. He looks upon
every soul who is turning his face toward
Him as the Saviour. He knows by experi-
ence what are the weaknesses of humanity,
what are our wants, and where lies the
strength of our temptations; for He was
in all points tempted like as we are, yet
without sin. He is watching over you,
trembling child of God. Are you tempted?
He will deliver. Are you weak? He will
strengthen. Are you ignorant? He will en-
lighten. Are you wounded? He will heal.
The Lord `telleth the number of the stars;'
and yet 'He healeth the broken in heart,
and bindeth up their wounds.' Ps. 147:4,
3.
'Come unto Me,' is His invitation.
Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread
out your case before the Lord. Your spirit
will be braced for endurance. The way
will be opened for you to disentangle
yourself from embarrassment and diffi-
culty. The weaker and more helpless you
know yourself to be, the stronger will you
become in His strength. The heavier your
burdens, the more blessed the rest in cast-
ing them upon the Burden Bearer. The
rest that Christ offers depends upon con-
ditions, but these conditions are plainly
specified. They are those with which all
can comply."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
329.
3.
Since God loves and cares, what
should we not do? What should we
do? Phil. 4:6.
NOTE.—"You have not faith and love
and confidence in God. If you had, you
would trust in Him. You worry yourself
out of the arms of Christ, fearing that He
will not care for
you."—Testimonies,
Vol.
1, p. 697.
4.
What precious experience will
follow implicit trust in God? Phil.
4:7.
Promises of God's Care
5.
How completely do the promises
of God cover all our needs? Ps. 84:11;
34:8-10; Phil. 4:19.
6.
What temporal necessities has
God promised to supply? Matt. 6:
25-32.
NOTE.—"The power of God is manifested
in the beating of the heart, in the action
of the lungs, and in the living currents that
circulate through the thousand different
channels of the body. We are indebted to
Him for every moment of existence, and
for all the comforts of life. . . . He loads
us with His benefits. We are indebted to
Him for the food we eat, the water we
drink, the clothes we wear, the air we
breathe. Without His special providence,
the air would be filled with pestilence and
poison. He is a bountiful benefactor and
preserver. . . .
"We may state to Him our temporal
matters, asking Him for bread and raiment
as well as for the bread of life and the
robe of Christ's righteousness. . . . The
gifts of Him who has all power in heaven
and earth are in store for the children of
God."—Sons and Daughters of God,
page
17.
7.
How completely has our Father
provided for our spiritual necessities?
Eph. 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3, 4.
[$0
1
8.
What is our part in God's plan
to provide for our temporal needs?
1 Thess. 4:11; Prov. 10:4.
NOTE.—"We are to be vigilant, watch-
ing for the coming of the Son of man; and
we must also be diligent; working as well
as waiting is required; there must be a
union of the two. This will balance the
Christian character, making it well devel-
oped, symmetrical. We should not feel that
we are to neglect everything else, and
give ourselves up to meditation, study, or
prayer; neither are we to be full of bustle
and hurry and work, to the neglect of
personal piety. Waiting and watching and
working are to be blended. 'Not slothful in
business; fervent in spirit; serving the
Lord.'
"—The Adventist Home,
page 23.
"If any man will not work, neither shall
he eat, applies to the spiritual, religious
life as well as to the earthly, temporal
things.
"Paul not only endured the taxation of
the physical powers in common labor with-
out one feeling of either belittling or de-
grading himself, and without discontent;
but he bore the burden while at the same
time exerting the activities of his mind to
advance and attain in spiritual knowledge.
He taught, and he practiced the lessons he
taught. . . .
"The apostle in his day considered idle-
ness a sin, and those who indulge this evil
today disgrace their profession. . .
"If a man in good physical health has
property, and has no need of entering into
employment for his own support, he should
labor to acquire means that he may ad-
vance the cause and work of God."—Ellen
G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary,
Vol.
7,
pp. 911, 912.
Promises of God's Guidance
9.
How did Jeremiah state man's
universal need? For what did he
pray? Jer. 10:23, 24.
NOTE.—"God's Word sheds an unerring
light upon the pathway of man's life. Not-
withstanding the many influences which
arise to divert and distract the mind, those
who honestly seek God for wisdom will be
guided into the right
course."—Testinzonies,
Vol. 5, p. 247.
10.
How intimate and personal is
God's promised guidance? Ps. 32:8.
NOTE.—"Our heavenly Father is our Ru-
ler, and we must submit to His discipline.
We are members of His family. He has a
right to our service. . . . Whatever path
God chooses for us, whatever way He
ordains for our feet, . . . with childlike
submission as obedient children, we must
look to God, to follow His guidance, and
difficulties will clear away. The promise is,
`I will instruct thee and teach thee.'
"—
Sons and Daughters of God,
page 175.
11.
How specifically does God
promise to guide each of His chil-
dren? Isa. 30:21.
NorE.—"God desires to bring men into
direct relation with Himself. In all His
dealings with human beings He recognizes
the principle of personal responsibility. He
seeks to encourage a sense of personal de-
pendence and to impress the need of per-
sonal guidance. He desires to bring the
human into association with the divine,
that men may be transformed into the
divine likeness. Satan works to thwart
this purpose. He seeks to encourage de-
pendence upon men. When minds are
turned away from God, the tempter can
bring them under his rule. He can control
humanity." —
The Ministry of Healing,
pages 242, 243.
12.
In order to experience the con-
stant guidance of God, what attitude
must we maintain? Prov. 3:6.
NOTE.—"Christ in His life on earth
made no plans for Himself. He accepted
God's plans for Him, and day by day the
Father unfolded His plans. So should we
depend upon God, that our lives may be
the simple outworking of His will. As we
commit our ways to Him, He will direct
our steps.
[ 31 ]
"Too many, in planning for a brilliant
future, make an utter failure. Let God
plan for you. As a little child, trust to the
guidance of Him who will 'keep the feet
of His saints.' 1 Sam. 2:9. God never
leads His children otherwise than they
would choose to be led, if they could see
the end from the beginning and discern
the glory of the purpose which they are
fulfilling as coworkers with
Him."-The
Ministry of Healing,
page 479.
13. What specific agencies does
God employ in guiding His children?
Ps. 119:105; John 16:13.
Nom.-"There are three ways in which
the Lord reveals His will to us, to guide
"God reveals His will to us in His Word,
the Holy Scriptures.
"His voice is also revealed in His provi-
dential workings; and it will be recognized
if we do not separate our souls from
Him by walking in our own ways, doing
according to our own wills, and following
the promptings of an unsanctified .heart....
"Another way in which God's voice is
heard, is through the appeals of His Holy
Spirit, making impressions upon the heart,
which will be wrought out in the char-
acter."-Messages to Young People,
page
156.
Lesson 10, for June 8, 1968
Faith and the Promise of the Holy Spirit
MEMORY VERSE:
"Nevertheless I tell you the
truth; It
is expedient for you that
I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but
if I depart, I will send Him unto you." John
16:7.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 668-672; "Testimonies," Vol. 8, pp.
19-23; "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 47-56; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary";
"The Coming of the Comforter," L.
E.
Froom.
STUDY AIM:
To find a full personal acceptance of the promised Spirit as indis-
pensable to salvation and to the finishing of God's work.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Holy Spirit in the Plan of
Redemption
1.
The coming of the Holy Spirit.
John 16:7.
2.
The Spirit makes Christ's sacrifice
and work effectual. John 15:26;
16:12-14.
3.
Specific functions of the Holy
Spirit. John 16:8-11.
II. The Holy
Spirit
Has Come as
Promised
4.
Inauguration at Pentecost:
promise, Acts 1:4, 5; fulfillment,
Acts 2:1-7, 33.
5.
The gift assured to all believers.
Acts 2:36-39.
6.
Evidences of the Spirit's control
in the church. Acts 5:3, 9;
13:2, 4; 16:6.
III. The Holy Spirit and Victorious
Living
7.
An evidence of sonship.
Rom. 8:9, 14-16.
8.
Power for godly living. Gal. 5:16,
22, 23; Rom. 8:1, 2, 10-13.
9.
All believers are to receive the
Spirit. Eph. 5:18; Acts 2:38.
10.
The gift accepted by faith.
Gal. 3:14.
IV. The Holy Spirit and the Finishing
of God's Work
11.
The task assigned to the church.
Matt. 28:18-20.
12.
The promised Spirit gives power.
Acts 1:8; Zech. 4:6.
13.
Preparation for the outpouring of
the Spirit. Joel 2:12, 13, 28.
14.
The Spirit given to those who
ask. Luke 11:13; Zech. 10:1.
[ 82 ]
THE LESSON
Introduction
"From the beginning, God has been
working by His Holy Spirit through hu-
man instrumentalities for the accomplish-
ment of His purpose in behalf of the fallen
race. This was manifest in the lives of the
patriarchs. To the church in the wilderness
also, in the time of Moses, God gave His
`good Spirit to instruct them.' Nehemiah
9:20. And in the days of the apostles He
wrought mightily for His church through
the agency of the Holy Spirit. The same
power that sustained the patriarchs, that
gave Caleb and Joshua faith and courage,
and that made the work of the apostolic
church effective, has upheld God's faithful
children in every succeeding age."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 53.
"The promise of the Holy Spirit is not
limited to any age or to any race. Christ
declared that the divine influence of His
Spirit was to be with His followers unto
the end. From the Day of Pentecost to
the present time, the Comforter has been
sent to all who have yielded themselves
fully to the Lord and to His service. To
all who have accepted Christ as a personal
Saviour, the Holy Spirit has come as a
counselor, sanctifier, guide, and witness."
—Ibid.,
p. 49.
"Christ has promised the gift of the
Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise
belongs to us as much as to the first dis-
ciples. But like every other promise, it is
given on conditions. . . . Only to those
who wait humbly upon God, who watch
for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit
given. The power of God awaits their de-
mand and reception. This promised bless-
ing, claimed by faith, brings all other
blessings in its train."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 672.
"The great sin of those who profess to
be Christians is that they do not open
the heart to receive the Holy Spirit."—
Selected Messages,
Bk. 2, p. 57.
The Holy Spirit in the
Plan of Redemption
1. Why would it be "expedient" for
Christ to go away? John 16:7.
NOTE.—"The Holy Spirit is Christ's rep-
resentative, but divested of the person-
ality of humanity, and independent there-
of. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could
not be in every place personally. There-
fore it was for their interest that He should
go to the Father, and send the Spirit to
be His successor on earth. No one could
then have any advantage because of his
location or his personal contact with
Christ. By the Spirit the Saviour would
be accessible to all. In this sense He would
be nearer to them than if He had not
ascended on high."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 669.
2.
Whose work would the Holy
Spirit make effectual? John 15:26; 16:
12-14.
NoTE.—"The Holy Spirit was the high-
est of all gifts that He could solicit from
His Father for the exaltation of His peo-
ple. The Spirit was to be given as a re-
generating agent, and
without this the sac-
rifice of Christ would have been of no avail.
. . .
Sin could be resisted and overcome only
through the mighty agency of the Third
Person of the Godhead, who would come
with no modified energy, but in the ful-
ness of divine power. It is the Spirit that
makes effectual what has been wrought
out by the world's Redeemer."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 671. (Emphasis sup-
plied.)
3.
What specific work would the
Holy Spirit accomplish in the world?
John 16:8-11.
NOTE.—"The preaching of the Word will
be of no avail without the continual pres-
ence and aid of the Holy Spirit. This is the
only effectual teacher of divine truth.
Only when the truth is accompanied to
the heart by the Spirit will it quicken the
conscience or transform the life. One might
be able to present the letter of the Word
of God, he might be familiar with all its
commands and promises; but unless the
33
Holy Spirit sets home the truth, no souls
will fall on the Rock and be broken. No
amount of education, no advantages, how-
ever great, can make one a channel of light
without the cooperation of the Spirit of
God."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 671,
672.
The Holy Spirit Has Come
as Promised
4.
What promise did Christ make?
When and how was the promise ful-
filled? Acts 1:4, 5; 2:1-7, 33.
5.
To whom is the promise of the
Holy Spirit assured? Acts 2:36-39.
NOTE.—"To us today, as verily as to the
first disciples, the promise of the Spirit be-
longs. God will today endow men and
women with power from above, as He en-
dowed those who on the Day of Pentecost
heard the word of salvation. At this very
hour His Spirit and His grace are for all
who need them and will take Him at His
word."—Testimonies,
Vol. 8, p. 20.
6.
What evidence does the Bible
record of the Spirit's control in the
early church? Acts 5:3, 9; 13:2, 4;
16:6.
The Holy Spirit and
Victorious Living
7.
Of what is the indwelling of the
Holy Spirit an evidence? Rom. 8:9,
14-16.
8.
Through what agency alone is
godly living possible? What will be
the evidence? Gal. 5:16, 22, 23; Rom.
8:1, 2, 10-13.
NOTE.-"It
is by the Spirit that the heart
is made pure. Through the Spirit the be-
liever becomes a partaker of the divine
nature. Christ has. given His Spirit as a
divine power to overcome all hereditary
and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to
impress His own character upon His
church."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 671.
"Those who consecrate body, soul, and
spirit to God, will constantly receive a
new endowment of physical, mental, and
spiritual power. The inexhaustible supplies
of heaven are at their command. Christ
gives them the breath of His own Spirit,
the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit
puts forth His highest energies to work in
heart and mind. The grace of God en-
larges and multiplies their faculties, and
every perfection of the divine nature comes
to their assistance in the work of saving
souls. Through cooperation with Christ,
they are made complete in Him, and in
their human weakness they are enabled to
do the deeds of Omnipotence."—Gospel
Workers,
pages 112, 113.
9.
What positive command is given
to the believers? What preparatory
work must take place? Eph. 5:18;
Acts 2:38.
NorE.—"To Jesus, who emptied Himself
for the salvation of lost humanity, the
Holy Spirit was given without measure. So
it will be given to every follower of Christ
when• the whole heart is surrendered for
His indwelling. Our Lord Himself has given
the command, 'Be filled with the Spirit,'
and this command is also a promise of its
fulfillment."—Sons
and Daughters of God,
page 31.
10.
How are we to receive this
precious gift? Gal. 3:14.
NOTE.—Like every other promised gift,
the Holy Spirit must be appropriated by
faith. There is no other way. Here is where
we are prone to fail. Hence, the power of
God continues to await our demand and
reception. "This promised blessing, claimed
by faith, brings all other blessings in its
train."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 672.
"In the great and measureless gift of the
Holy Spirit are contained all of heaven's
resources. It is not because of any restric-
tion on the part of God that the riches of
[ 34 ]
His grace do not flow earthward to men.
If all were willing to receive, all would
become filled with His Spirit."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 419.
The Holy Spirit and the
Finishing of God's Work
11.
What command did Christ give
to His followers before returning to
heaven? Matt. 28:18-20.
NOTE.—"Christ made full provision for
the prosecution of the work entrusted to
the disciples,
and took upon Himself the
responsibility of its success.
So long as they
obeyed His word, and worked in connec-
tion with Him, they could not fail. Go to
all nations, He bade them. Go to the far-
thest part of the habitable globe, but know.
that My presence will be there. . . .
"To us also the promise of Christ's abid-
ing presence is given. . . . He is with us
today as truly as He was with the dis-
ciples, and He will be with us 'even
unto the
end.' "—Testimonies,
Vol. 8, pp.
16, 17. (Emphasis supplied.)
"Where there is no active labor for
others, love wanes, and faith grows dim."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 825.
12.
What provision did Christ
make for completing the great gospel
commission? Acts 1:8; Zech. 4:6.
Nom—Human resources, no matter how
plentiful, can never meet the demands of
the great commission. This is by Christ's
design and purpose. He has assumed the
responsibility for the successful prosecution
of His work. He has promised all the re-
sources needed through the gift of His
Spirit. To neglect this provision is to in-
vite failure.
"The lapse of time has wrought no
change in Christ's parting promise to send
the Holy Spirit as His representative. . . .
If the fulfillment of the promise is not
seen as it might be, it is because the prom-
ise is not appreciated as it should be. If
all were willing, all would be filled with
the Spirit. Wherever the need of the Holy
Spirit is a matter little thought of, there
is seen spiritual drought, spiritual dark-
ness, spiritual declension and death. When-
ever minor matters occupy the attention,
the divine power which is necessary for the
growth and prosperity of the church, and
which would bring all other blessings in
its train, is lacking, though offered in in-
finite plenitude."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 50.
13.
What is to prepare the way for
the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in
the latter rain for the finishing of
God's work? Joel 2:12, 13, 28. Com-
pare Acts 1:14; 2:1.
NOTE.—"A revival of true godliness
among us is the greatest and most urgent
of all our needs. To seek this should be our
first
work."—Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, p.
121.
"If Satan had his way, there would
never be another awakening, great or
small, to the end of time. But we are not
ignorant of his devices. It is possible to
resist his power. When the way is pre-
pared for the Spirit of God, the blessing
will
come."—Ibid.,
p. 124. (See also last
note under question 10.)
14.
For what should the people of
God pray at this time? Luke 11:13;
Zech. 10:1.
NOTE.—"Since this is the means by which
we are to receive power, why do we not
hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit?.
Why do we not talk of it, pray for it, and
preach concerning it? The Lord is more
willing to give the Holy Spirit to those
who serve Him than parents are to give
good gifts to their children. For the daily
baptism of the Spirit every worker should
offer his petition to God. Companies of
Christian workers should gather to ask
for special help, for heavenly wisdom, that
they may know how to plan and execute
wisely."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 50.
35
Lesson 11, for June 15, 1968
Faith and Assurance
MEMORY VERSE:
"And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect
of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." Isaiah 32:17.
STUDY HELPS:
"Steps to Christ," chapters, "Consecration," "Faith and Acceptance,"
and "Growing Up Into Christ"; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "S.D.A. Bible
Dictionary."
STUDY AIM:
To know the necessity and possibility of making our "calling and
election sure."
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Assurance Taught in the Bible
1.
Counseled to seek assurance.
2 Peter 1:10, 11.
2.
Experience of the Thessalonians.
1 Thess. 1:5.
3.
What Paul knew. 2 Tim. 1:12 ;
Rom. 8:38, 39.
4.
What the apostle John knew as-
suredly. 1 John 3:2, 14.
II. Steps to Full Assurance
5. Come through faith. Heb. 10:22 ;
Rom. 4:19-21.
6.
Willingness to do God's will.
John 7:17.
7.
Correct understanding of justi-
fication. Rom. 5:1.
8.
Consistency in Christian living.
1 John
2 :6 ; Col. 2:6.
III. Areas of Absolute Assurance
9.
Our sonship. John 1:12 ;
Rom. 8:16, 17; 1 John 3:1, 2.
10.
Forgiveness of sin. 1 John 1:9;
Isa. 43:25 ; Ps. 103:12.
11.
Grace for the present.
Phil. 1:6;
1
John 5:4; 2 Cor. 2:14.
12.
Heaven at last. 1 John 5:11-13;
1 Peter 1:3-5.
THE LESSON
Introduction
No one need doubt his relationship to
Christ and his position as a child of God.
We can be sure. The Bible holds out, for
all who covet it, an experience of fullest
assurance. "Therefore it is of faith, that
it might be by grace; to the end the
prom-
ise might be sure
to all the seed." Rom.
4:16. Had salvation been based on man's
good works, he never could know full as-
surance, for he would never know when
his works were equal to God's require-
ments. Assurance comes from accepting the
promises, complying with the conditions,
and believing that God will fulfill what He
has promised. "It
is
so if you believe it."
-Steps to Christ,
page 51.
Assurance Taught in the Bible
1. What urgent counsel does the
apostle Peter give believers? 2 Peter
1:10, 11.
NOTE.
-"The
calling and election are an
act of God (1 Peter 1:2 ; 2:21) ; yet it is
possible for one to 'frustrate the grace of
God' (Gal. 2:21). Accordingly, the believer
needs to 'work out' his 'own salvation with
fear and trembling' (Phil. 2:12). He will
then be making a certainty of what God
has already desired and made possible."-
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on 2 Peter 1:10.
C
86]
2.
When the Thessalonians re-
ceived the gospel, what effect did it
have upon them? 1 Thess. 1:5.
NoTE.—The Thessalonians witnessed in
the lives of Paul and his companions a
full demonstration of the gospel as the
"power of God unto salvation." This dem-
onstration brought to the believers "much
assurance" and led them into a full partici-
pation of the gospel and its power. Hence
they became "ensamples" to all the believ-
ers in Macedonia and Achaia.
3.
How did the apostle Paul testify
to the full assurance in his heart?
2 Tim. 1:12; Rom. 8:38, 39.
NOTE.—Paul did not merely hope, de-
sire, or guess. He
knew.
He was
persuaded.
He took no chances where eternal interests
were involved. He did not "neglect so great
salvation." What Christ promised, Paul
claimed; what Christ required, Paul com-
plied with. To be among those who were
"heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ"
was to him an intriguing reality.
In pursuit of this high calling Paul
counted "all things but loss" that he might
"know Him and the power of His resur-
rection, and the fellowship of His suffer-
ings." He staked out his claim in a better
land, and nothing could move him from
this settled purpose. His assurance was not
based on feeling; it rested solidly on the
promises of God—promises made a reality
by his invincible faith.
4.
Of what was the apostle John
absolutely certain? What was the evi-
dence? 1 John 3:2, 14.
Steps to Full Assurance
5.
What will the exercise of faith
in God's promises and provisions gen-
erate? Heb. 10:22; Rom. 4:19-21.
NoTE.—Assurance is generated by faith,
deepened by hope (Heb. 6:11; Rom. 5:5),
and confirmed by love (1 John 3:14).
"Every promise in the Word of God
furnishes us with subject matter for prayer,
presenting the pledged word of Jehovah as
our assurance. Whatever spiritual blessing
we need, it is our privilege to claim through
Jesus. We may tell the Lord, with the sim-
plicity of a child, exactly what we need."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
page
133.
6.
In order to be fully persuaded
as to what is truth, what must be our
attitude? John 7:17.
NOTE.—"Those who humbly and prayer-
fully search the Scriptures, to know and to
do God's will, will not be in doubt of their
obligations to God. For 'if any man will
do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.'
If you would know the mystery of godli-
ness, you must follow the plain word of
truth,—feeling or no feeling, emotion or
no emotion. Obedience must be rendered
from a sense of principle, and the right
must be pursued under all circumstances.
This is the character that is elected of God
unto
salvation."—Fundamentals of Chris-
tian Education,
page 125.
"Disguise it as they may, the real cause
of doubt and skepticism, in most cases, is
the love of sin. The teachings and restric-
tions of God's Word are not welcome to
the proud, sin-loving heart, and those who
are unwilling to obey its requirements are
ready to doubt its authority."—Steps
to
Christ,
page 111.
7.
In order to enjoy full and abid-
ing assurance, what wonderful pro-
vision of the gospel must we see
clearly? Rom. 5:1.
NoTE.—A faulty understanding of the
doctrine of justification often results in un-
certainty about one's Christian experience.
If we would cherish deep and abiding as-
surance in our hearts, then we must see
clearly that Christ's work, and His alone,
is the ground of our acceptance with God.
Here, human effort can contribute nothing,
t 37 3
either directly or indirectly. For justifica-
tion, through which we become the children
of God, our essential part is the exercise
of faith. Justification is a perfect, finished
work, and admits of no degrees. The Bible
uses four expressions in speaking of justi-
fication:
a.
"Being justified freely by His grace."
Rom. 3:24. This is the
source
of our justi-
fication. If God were not graciously dis-
posed toward sinners there could be no
reconciliation.
b.
"Much more then, being now justi-
fied by His blood." Rom. 5:9. The blood is
the
means
by which we are justified. The
blood was the purchase price of our re-
demption.
c.
"Therefore being justified by faith."
Rom. 5:1. Faith is the method of
receiving
justification, which has been graciously pro-
vided through the blood of the Son of God.
d.
"Ye see then how that by works a
man is justified." James 2:24. Our works,
our manner of living, constitute the
evi-
dence
of our justification which has been
freely and solely wrought by God.
Justification depends, not upon us, but
upon the infinite God, who has promised
and knows how to perform. "For ye are
all the children of God by faith in Christ
Jesus." Gal. 3:26. This brings deep and
abiding assurance.
8. To enjoy continuing assurance,
what must the justified believer hence-
forth do? 1 John 2:6; Col. 2:6.
NoTE.—Nothing will destroy peace of
conscience and assurance more effectively
than an inconsistent life. A child of God
must make a clean break with everything
he knows to be out of harmony with God's
will. Failure to do this is to court a
troubled heart and risk ultimate loss.
"Now that you have given yourself to
Jesus, do not draw back, do not take your-
self away from Him, but day by day say,
`I am Christ's; I have given myself to
Him ;' and ask Him to give you His Spirit
and keep you by His grace. As it is by
giving yourself to God, and believing Him,
that you become His child, so you are to
live in
Him."—Steps to Christ,
page 52.
Areas of Absolute Assurance
9.
If we have opened our hearts
fully to Jesus, of what may we be
sure? John 1:12; Rom. 8:16, 17;
1 John 3:1, 2.
NOTE.—"Divine sonship is not something
that we gain of ourselves. Only to those
who receive Christ as their Saviour is
given the power to become sons and
daughters of God. The sinner cannot, by
any power of his own, rid himself of sin....
Christ alone has power to cleanse the heart.
. . . But the promise of sonship is made to
all
who 'believe on His name.'
"—Sons and
Daughters of God,
page 12.
"How can we ever be in doubt and un-
certainty, and feel that we are orphans?
It was in behalf of those who had trans-
gressed the law that Jesus took upon Him
human nature; He became like unto us,
that we might have everlasting peace and
assurance. We have an Advocate in the
heavens, and whoever accepts Him as a per-
sonal Saviour is not left an orphan to bear
the burden of his own
sins."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
page 104.
10.
If we have truly confessed our
sins, of what may we be certain?
1 John 1:9; Isa. 43:25; Ps. 103:12.
NOTE.—From the Bible account of Jesus'
healing the sick we may learn how to be-
lieve in Him for the forgiveness of sins.
The paralytic of Bethesda was helpless; he
had not used his limbs for thirty-eight
years. Jesus bade him, "Rise, take up thy
bed, and walk." The sick man might have
said, "Lord, if Thou wilt make me whole,
I will obey Thy word." But no, he
believed Christ's word—believed that he
was made whole—and he made the effort
at once; he
willed
to walk, and he did
walk. He acted on Christ's word, and God
gave the power.
11.
If we remain fully surrendered
to Christ, of what glorious provision
may we be assured? Phil 1:6; 1 John
5:4; 2 Cor. 2:14.
I.
38 ]
NOTE.—"Let no one despair of gaining the
victory. Victory is sure when self is sur-
rendered to God."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol. 1,
p. 1095.
"The great Captain of our salvation has
conquered in our behalf, that through Him
we might conquer, if we would, in our own
behalf. But Christ saves none against their
choice; He compels none to obedience. He
made the infinite sacrifice that they might
overcome in His name and His righteous-
ness be imputed unto
them."—Testimonies,
Vol. 3, p. 457.
12. If we accept the provisions
God has made for our salvation, of
what may we cherish full assurance?
1 John 5:11-13; 1 Peter 1:3-5.
NOTE.—"Teach the great practical truths
that must be stamped upon the soul. Teach
the saving power of Jesus, 'in whom we
have redemption through His blood, even
the forgiveness of sins.' Col. 1:14. It was
at the cross that mercy and
truth
met
together, that righteousness and truth
kissed each other. . . . Show that the life
of Christ reveals an infinitely perfect char-
acter. Teach that 'as many as received
Him, to them gave He power to become
the sons of God, even to them that be-
lieve on His name.' John 1:12. Tell it
over and over again. We may become the
sons of God, members of the royal family,
children of the heavenly King. Let it be
known that all who accept Jesus Christ
and hold the beginning of their confidence
firm to the end will be heirs of God and
joint heirs with Christ 'to an inheritance
incorruptible, and undefiled, and that
fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for
you, who are kept by the power of God
through faith unto salvation ready to be
revealed in the last time.' 1 Peter 1:4, 5."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, pp. 59, 60.
Lesson 12, for June 22, 1968
Faith and the Promise of Victory
MEMORY VERSE:
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this
is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4.
STUDY HELPS:
"Early Writings," pages 145-147; "The Great Controversy," pages
492-504; "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 33-43; "Testimonies to Ministers,"
pages 516-520.
STUDY AIM:
To discover the provisions God has made for complete victory over
sin.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Great Controversy
1.
The conflict began in heaven.
Rev. 12:7-9.
2.
Satan deluded the entire human
family. Gen. 3:1-8, 23, 24 ;
Rom. 5:12.
3.
Plan of redemption provided
through Christ. John 3:16; Eph.
1:7.
4. The conflict continues.
1 Peter 5:8.
II. Temptation and Trial, the Common
Lot of All
5. All will be tried. 1 Peter 4:12.
6. Temptation and sin. James 1:14,
15; Rom. 6:13, 16.
7. Results of resisting temptation.
1 Peter 1:6, 7; James 1:2-4, 12.
III. Victory Assured
8. Divine aid promised. 1 Cor. 10:13.
f 89
9.
Continuous triumph possible.
2 Cor. 2:14; John 10:28, 29.
10.
God's gift through Christ.
1 Cor. 15:57.
11.
Victory through faith. 1 John 5:
4, 5.
12.
We must offer resistance.
1 Peter 5:9; Eph. 6:10-18;
1 Tim. 6:12.
13.
Avoid needless exposure to temp-
tation. Ps. 1:1.
14.
"More than conquerors."
Rom. 8:37-39.
THE LESSON
glory and showing forth His praise. And
while love to God was supreme, love for
one another was confiding and unselfish.
There was no note of discord to mar the
celestial harmonies. But a change came
over this happy estate. There was one who
perverted the freedom that God had
granted to His creatures. Sin originated
with him who, next to Christ, had been
most honored of God and was highest in
power and glory among the inhabitants of
heaven."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
35.
Introduction
Every human being is involved in the
great controversy between Christ and Sa-
tan. We are on one side or the other.
There is no no-man's-land in this conflict.
Neither is it possible to give allegiance to
both sides. Jesus declared unequivocally,
"He that is not with Me is against Me."
Thus, any who surrender to the claims of
Christ become involved in the bitter con-
flict between right and wrong, good and
evil, Christ and Satan. This is no sham
battle; it is real warfare, because our
"adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,
walketh about, seeking, whom he may
devour." 1 Peter 5:8.
But just as conflict with evil is a cer-
tainty, so also is the promise of victory
through the name of our blessed Christ.
His strong arm "hath gotten Him the vic-
tory." The cross settled the issue. The echo.
of His precious promise is heard down
through the corridors of time: "These
things I have spoken unto you, that in Me
ye might have peace. In the world ye shall
have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I
have overcome the world." John 16:33. In
His victory we shall discover ours: "Nay,
in all these things we are more than con-
querors through Him that loved us." Rom.
8:37.
The Great Controversy
1. Where and with whom did the
great controversy between good and
evil originate? Rev. 12:7-9.
NOTE.—"So long as all created beings
acknowledged the allegiance of love, there
was perfect harmony throughout the uni-
verse of God. It was the joy of the heav-
enly host to fulfill the purpose of their
Creator. They delighted in reflecting His
2.
What were the devastating re-
sults of Satan's being cast down to
this earth? Gen. 3:1-8, 23, 24; Rom.
5:12.
3.
What great plan for man's re-
demption was immediately available?
John 3:16; Eph. 1:7.
NOTE.—"The Son of God, heaven's glor.
ious Commander, was touched with pity
for the fallen race. His heart was moved
with infinite compassion as the woes of
the lost world rose up before Him. But di-
vine love had conceived a plan whereby
man might be redeemed. The broken law of
God demanded the life of the sinner. In
all the universe there was but one who
could, in behalf of man, satisfy its claims.
Since the divine law is as sacred as God
Himself, only one equal with God could
make atonement for its transgression. None
but Christ could redeem fallen man from
the curse of the law and bring him again
into harmony with Heaven. Christ would
take upon Himself the guilt and shame of
sin—sin so offensive to a holy God that
it must separate the Father and His Son.
Christ would reach to the depths of misery
[40
]
to rescue the ruined
race."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 63.
4.
What is Satan's attitude toward
those who have surrendered to Christ?
What is the cause of this conflict?
1 Peter 5:8. Compare Eph. 6:11, 12.
NoTE.—It was when Adam and Eve fell
that God promised to put enmity between
the followers of Christ and Satan. "There
exists naturally no enmity between sinful
man and the originator of
sin."—The Great
Controversy,
page 505.
"It is the grace that Christ implants in
the soul which creates in man enmity
against Satan. Without this converting
grace and renewing power, man would con-
tinue the captive of Satan, a servant ever
ready to do his bidding."—Ibid., p. 506.
Temptation and Trial,
the Common Lot of All
5.
When confronted with tempta-
tions and trials, what are we not to
conclude? 1 Peter 4:12.
NOTE.—Temptation and trial are the
common lot of all. So long as Satan is at
work, just so long will inducements be
presented to us to surrender our loyalty
and devotion to God. While Satan tempts
all mankind to evil, his special attacks are
made on those who are determined to live
for God. Accordingly, we should not re-
gard it a strange experience when we are
confronted with temptations.
"Children should be so trained and edu-
cated that they will expect temptations and
calculate to meet difficulties and dangers."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 3, p. 144.
6.
When does temptation become
sin? James 1:14, 15; Rom. 6:13, 16.
NOTE.—"So long as the soul rests with
unshaken confidence in the virtue and
power of the atonement, it will stand firm
as a rock to principle, and all the powers
of Satan and his angels cannot sway it
from its integrity. The truth as it is in
Jesus is a wall of fire around the soul that
clings to Him. Temptations will pour in
upon us, for by them we are to be tried
during our probation upon earth. This is
the proving of God, a revelation of our
own hearts.
There is no sin in having
temptations; but sin comes in when temp-
tation is yielded to."—Testimonies,
Vol. 4,
pp. 357, 358. (Emphasis supplied.)
7.
What is the result of successfully
enduring trials? 1 Peter 1:6, 7; James
1:2-4, 12.
NorE.—The Greek word
peirasnsos
means
both "trial" and "temptation." In James
1:2 and 1 Peter 1:6 the context indicates
that trials, rather than temptations, are
intended. The word is so translated in some
modern versions.
Victory Assured
8.
What assurance is given to all
in the hour of temptation? 1 Cor.
10:13.
NOTE.—"It is not God's purpose to
coerce the will. Man was created a free
moral agent. Like the inhabitants of all
other worlds, he must be subjected to the
test of obedience; but he is never brought
into such a position that yielding to evil
becomes a matter of necessity. No tempta-
tion or trial is permitted to come to him
which he is unable to resist. God made
such ample provision that man need never
have been defeated in the conflict with
Satan."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages
331, 332.
"No man can be forced to transgress.
His own consent must be first gained; the
soul must purpose the sinful act before pas-
sion can dominate over reason or iniquity
triumph over conscience. Temptation, how-
ever strong, is never an excuse for sin.
`The eyes of the Lord are over the righ-
teous, and His ears are open unto their
prayers.' Cry unto the Lord, tempted soul.
Cast yourself, helpless, unworthy, upon
Jesus, and claim His very promise. The
Lord will hear. He knows how strong are
the inclinations of the natural heart, and
He will help in every time of temptation."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 177.
[ 41 ]
9.
For what assurance should we
constantly thank God? 2 Cor. 2:14;
John 10:28, 29.
10.
Through whom alone may we
hope to be victorious? 1 Cor. 15:57.
NOTE.—`The followers of Christ are to
become like Him—by the grace of God
to form characters in harmony with the
principles of His holy law. This is Bible
sanctification.
"This work can be accomplished only
through faith in Christ, by the power of
the indwelling Spirit of God. Paul ad-
monishes believers: 'Work out your own
salvation with fear and trembling. For it
is God which worketh in you both to will
and to do of His good pleasure.' Phil. 2:
12, 13. The Christian will feel the prompt-
ings of sin, but he will maintain a constant
warfare against it."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
pages 469, 470.
11.
By what means do we lay hold
of the victory God has promised?
I John 5:4, 5.
NOTE.—"How can 'our faith' enable us
to overcome the world? John provides the
answer in v. 5, where he implies that the
faith to which he is referring is that which
accepts Jesus as the Son of God. Such a
faith appropriates the Saviour's victory
over the world and duplicates it in the life
of the believer. It does not stop at mental
assent but leads to postive action. Like
the paralytic who was commanded to rise,
we attempt what seems impossible (John
5:5-9). As our will chooses to rise from
the thralldom of sin, the life-giving power
of God comes into every moral fiber and
enables us to accomplish what we by faith
have willed. Were we to lie back and wait
for the Lord to lift us up from sin, nothing
would happen. Our faith must lay hold of
His promises, and must desire, choose, and
will to act upon them before that strength
can aid us."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on 1 John 5:4.
12.
Armed with a firm faith in the
promises of God, how are we to re-
late ourselves to the attacks of Satan?
1 Peter 5:9; Eph. 6:10-18; 1 Tim.
6:12.
NOTE.
—"
The example of Christ shows
us that our only hope of victory is in con-
tinual resistance of Satan's attacks. He who
triumphed over the adversary of souls in
the conflict of temptations understands Sa-
tan's power over the race, and has con-
quered him in our behalf. As an overcomer,
He has given us the advantage of His
victory, that in our efforts to resist the
temptations of Satan we may unite our
weakness to His strength, our worthless-
ness to His merits. And sustained by His
enduring might under the strength of temp-
tation, we may resist in His all-powerful
name, and overcome as He overcame.".
Messages to Young People,
page 50.
"Every Christian must stand on guard
continually, watching every avenue of the
soul where Satan might find access. He
must pray for divine help and at the same
time resolutely resist every inclination to
sin. By courage, by faith, by persevering
toil, he can conquer. But let him remember
that to gain the victory Christ must abide
in him and he in
Christ."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 47.
13.
If we would be kept from evil,
what must we refuse to do? Ps. 1:1.
NOTE.—"Those who would not fall a
prey to Satan's devices, must guard well
the avenues of the soul;
they must avoid
reading, seeing, or hearing that which will
suggest impure thoughts.
The mind must
not be left to dwell at random upon every
subject that the enemy of souls may sug-
gest. The heart must be faithfully senti-
neled, or evils without will awaken evils
within, and the soul will wander in dark-
ness."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 518.
(Emphasis supplied.)
14.
Recalling God's gracious pro-
visions for His children, what as-
surance does the apostle Paul express?
Rom. 8:37-39.
[42
1
Lesson 13, for June 29, 1968
Faith and the Promise of Christ's Return
MEMORY VERSE:
"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto
them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto
salvation." Hebrews 9:28.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," pages 299-316; "Christ's Object Lessons,"
pages 405-421; "S. D.A. Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To alert our hearts to the reality of Christ's imminent return.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Last-day Skepticism
1.
A pointed question. Luke 18:8.
2.
General unbelief. 2 Peter 3:3, 4.
3.
Dangers confronting the church.
Luke 12:45; Heb. 2:3.
4.
As in the days of Noah and Lot.
Luke 17:26-30.
II. The Promise of Christ's Return
5.
The promise made by Jesus.
John 14:1-3; Luke 21:27;
Rev. 22:12.
6.
The promise confirmed by angels.
Acts 1:10, 11.
7.
The promise reiterated by the
apostles. Heb. 9:28; Titus 2:11-13.
8.
The manner revealed. Mark 13:36;
Acts 1:9-11; Rev. 1:7.
III. Faith in the Promise of Christ's
Return
9.
Self preparation. 1 John 3:3;
2 Peter 3:11, 14.
10.
Hasten the finishing of God's work.
Matt. 24:14; John 9:4.
11.
Revive the spirit of urgency:
Rom. 13:11, 12 ; Eph. 5:14-16.
12.
An inspiration to unity. James
5:8, 9; John 13:35.
13.
The joyous response; a crown
of
victory. Isa. 25:9; 2 Tim. 4:8.
THE LESSON
only half believe the Word of God. A man
will act out all the faith he has. Notwith-
standing that the signs of the times are ful-
filling all over the world, faith in the Lord's
coming has been growing
feeble."—Selected
Messages,
Bk. 1, p. 93.
"The Lord is coming. Let everyone show
his faith by his works. Faith in Christ's
near advent is dying out of the churches,
and selfishness is causing them to rob God
to serve their own personal interests. When
Christ is abiding in us, we shall be self-
denying like
Him."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5,
p. 153.
In this lesson we are not so much con-
cerned about the theology of the second
advent as we are about the necessity of
cultivating a living faith that will grasp
the reality of God's promises concerning it.
[ 43 ]
Introduction
- No promises in the Bible are more ex-
plicit than those which relate to the second
coming of Christ. This is a cardinal teach-
ing of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In fact, it is one of the great truths that
brought this movement into existence. As a
people we have proclaimed throughout the
whole world the prophetic truth, the man-
ner, and the signs of the Master's return.
The statements of Scripture on this vital
truth are clear and positive. But knowledge
alone does not constitute a preparation for
this solemn and final event. "Many will be
lost while hoping and desiring to be Chris-
tians."—Steps
to Christ,
page 48.
"We must have genuine faith. As yet we
scarcely grasp the reality of the truth. We
Last-day Skepticism
1.
What pointed question did Christ
raise concerning faith in our day?
Luke 18:8.
NOTE.—"This is a time when the question
with all propriety may be asked, 'When the
Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on
the earth?' (Luke 18:8).
"Spiritual darkness has covered the earth
and gross darkness the people. There are
in many churches skepticism and infidelity
in the interpretation of the Scriptures.
Many, very many, are questioning the ver-
ity and truth of the Scriptures. Human
reasoning and the imaginings of the human
heart are undermining the inspiration of the
Word of God, and that which should be
received as granted, is surrounded with a
cloud of mysticism. Nothing stands out in
clear and distinct lines, upon rock bottom.
This is one of the marked signs of the last
days."—Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, p. 15.
2.
What attitude on the part of
many is foretold as characteristic of
the last days? What specific promise
would be ridiculed? 2 Peter 3:3, 4.
NOTE.—"When these things [the signs of
the end] are dwelt upon as they should be,
scoffers will be developed who walk after
their own lusts, saying, 'Where is the prom-
ise of His coming? for since the fathers fell
asleep, all things continue as they were
from the beginning of the creation.' But
`when they shall say, Peace and safety;
then sudden destruction cometh upon them.'
`But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that
that day should overtake you as a thief.'
Thank God, all will not be rocked to sleep
in the cradle of carnal security. There will
be faithful ones who will discern the signs
of the times. While a large number profess-
ing present truth will deny their faith by
their works, there will be some who will
endure unto the
end."—Testimonies,
Vol.
5, p. 10.
3.
What special danger confronts
the professing people of God today?
Luke 12:45; Heb. 2:3.
NOTE.—"The evil servant says in his
heart, 'My Lord delayeth His coming.' He
does not say that Christ will not come. He
does not scoff at the idea of His second
coming. But in his heart and by his actions
and words he declares that the Lord's com-
ing is delayed. He banishes from the minds
of others the conviction that the Lord is
coming quickly. His influence leads men to
presumptuous, careless delay. They are con-
firmed in their worldliness and stupor."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 635.
4.
What parallels between our day
and the days of Noah and Lot indi-
cate that we are in the last days?
Luke 17:26-30.
The Promise of Christ's Return
5.
By what specific promises did
Jesus forever settle the question of
His return? John 14:1-3; Luke 21:27;
Rev. 22:12.
NOTE.—"Long have we waited for our
Saviour's return. But nonetheless sure is the
promise. Soon we shall be in our promised
home. There Jesus will lead us beside the
living stream flowing from the throne of
God and will explain to us the dark provi-
dences through which on this earth He
brought us in order to perfect our char-
acters. There we shall behold with un-
dimmed vision the beauties of Eden re-
stored. Casting at the feet of the Redeemer
the crowns that He has placed on our-
heads and touching our golden harps, we
shall fill all heaven with praise to Him
that sitteth on the throne."—The
Adventist
Home,
pages 544, 545.
6.
How specifically did the angels,
at the time of Christ's ascension, con-
firm the Master's promise to return?
Acts 1:10, 11.
7.
Cite the testimony of the apos-
tles with regard to their faith in the
second coming of Christ. Heb. 9:28;
[44
]
Titus 2:11-13. Compare 2 Peter 3:9-
13; 1 John 3:2.
8.
What will be the manner of
Christ's return? Mark 13:36; Acts
1:
9-11; Rev. 1:7. Compare Matt. 24:27.
Faith in the Promise of
Christ's Return
9.
What effect will genuine faith
in the promise of Christ's return have
upon the life of the believer? 1 John
3:3; 2 Peter 3:11, 14.
Nom—He who truly believes in the
soon return of Christ will make every
preparation to meet Him. "When He shall
appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall
see Him as He is." "Now is the time to
prepare. The seal of God will never be
placed upon the forehead of an impure
man or
woman."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p.
216.
"The religion of Christ means more than
the forgiveness of sin; it means taking
away our sins, and filling the vacuum with
the graces of the Holy Spirit. It means di-
vine illumination, rejoicing in God. It
means a heart emptied of self, and blessed
with the abiding presence of Christ. When
Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity,
freedom from sin. The glory, the fullness,
the completeness of the gospel plan is
fulfilled in the life. The acceptance of the
Saviour brings a glow of perfect peace,
perfect love, perfect assurance. The beauty
and fragrance of the character of Christ
revealed in the life testifies that God has
indeed sent His Son into the world to be
its
Saviour."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages
419, 420.
"Take the world, but give me Jesus"
should be the prayer of all who look for
Christ's return.
10.
If we really believe that Christ
is soon to return, what will we pur-
pose to do? Matt. 24:14; John 9:4.
NOTE.—"My heart is often burdened be-
cause so many who might work are doing
nothing. . . . Every church member who
has a knowledge of the truth is expected
to work while the day lasts; for the night
cometh, wherein no man can work. Ere-
long we shall understand what that night
means."—Testimonies,
Vol. 9, p. 26.
11.
What urgent plea does the
apostle Paul make to those who know
the present truth? Rom. 13:11, 12;
Eph. 5:14-16.
NOTE.—"We must be more decidedly in
earnest. We must talk the truth in private
and in public, presenting every argument,
urging every motive of infinite weight, to
draw men to the Saviour uplifted on the
cruel cross. God desires every man to at-
tain unto eternal life. Mark how all through
the Word of God there is manifest the
spirit of urgency, of imploring men and
women to come to Christ, to deny appetites
and passions that corrupt the soul. With
all our powers we must urge them, to look
unto Jesus and to accept His life of self-
denial and
sacrifice."—Testimonies,
Vol. 6,
p. 65.
12.
What spirit should prevail
among the believers who are antici-
pating the coming of the Lord? Of
what is unity among the brethren an
evidence? James 5:8, 9; John 13:35.
NOTE.—"The unity of the church is the
convincing evidence that God has sent Je-
sus into the world as its Redeemer. This
is an argument which worldlings cannot
controvert. Therefore Satan is constantly
working to prevent this union and harmony,
that unbelievers, by witnessing backsliding,
dissension, and strife among professed
Christians, may become disgusted with re-
ligion and be confirmed in their impeni-
tence."—Testimonies, Vol.
5,
p. 620.
13.
What will be the joyous re-
sponse of those who are ready and
waiting for the return of their Lord?
What token of triumph will they re-
ceive? Isa. 25:9; 2 Tim. 4:8.
[45]
Order Through Your Church Missionary Secretary or
BOOK
and
BIBLE HOUSE
PERIODICAL
DEPARTMENT
dps
for
AA
holy
Fa
in the study of ihe SalOath Sehool
ERROR
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
June 29, 1968
Australasian Division
Again this quarter the overflow of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering will
go to one specific project; namely the remodeling and enlarging of the
Sydney Sanitarium and Hospital at Wahroonga, a suburb of Sydney,
Australia.
Just before she returned from Australia to the United States at the turn
of the century, Mrs. E. G. White made a special visit to Sydney to view
the proposed site of the sanitarium which she had been urging the brethren
to build. As she viewed for the first time the eighty acres that fell away in
gentle slopes from a loo-foot eminence, set in lovely bushland, she ex-
claimed, "This is the place!"
Within two years the Sydney Sanitarium and Hospital was built with
timbers that were imported from the United States. Through the years
the "San" has proved a wonderful blessing to the community and to the
church in its missionary activities at home and in lands afar. Ninety-six
graduates from this medical institution are at present serving in overseas
mission fields. Now, however, the central and original section of the Sani-
tarium has become antiquated and substandard, and its timbers are a ter-
rible fire hazard during the hot Australian summer months. The Nurses'
Registration Board now requires that the bed capacity be increased from
i8o to 30o in order for the institution to retain its registration as a nurses'
training school. Australia needs our graduates; the world field needs them.
You can help train them by supporting the rebuilding project with a
liberal Thirteenth Sabbath Offering on June 29.
Lessons for the Third Quarter, 1968
Sabbath School members who did not receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for
the
third quarter of 1968 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first
lesson. The title of the series is "Studies in the Book of James." The title of the
first lesson is "Trials and Character Development." The memory verse is 1 Peter
4:12, 13. The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. James 1:2-4; Matt. 5:10-12;
1 Peter 4:12, 13.
Ques. 2. James 1:3 ; 1 Peter 1:7.
Ques. 3. James 1:3 (last part) ;
Rom. 5:3.
Ques. 4. Rev. 14:12.
Ques. 5. James 1:4.
Ques. 6. James 1:5; Prov. 3:5, 6.
Ques. 7. James 1:5 (first part) ;
47
Matt. 7:7, 8.
Ques. 8. James 1:6 (first part) ;
Mark 11:24.
Ques. 9. James 1:6 (last part), 7.
Ques. 10. James 1:8.
Ques. 11. James 1:9 ; Matt. 5:3.
Ques. 12. James 1:10, 11.
Ques. 13. James 1:12; Rev. 2:10;
Matt. 24:13.
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Population Churches Members Members
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357,454 150 11,384 21,101
Central Pacific U.M.
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